Remo Freuler: Bologna’s Swiss Midfield General
Switzerland have delivered yet another valiant performance in the Euros, reaching the quarterfinals for the second straight tournament and nearly topping their group, only to concede a late equaliser to Germany’s Niklas Fulkrug. Built on a wealth of experience featuring Xherdan Shaqiri, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez and Yann Sommer, the Swiss held their nerve against the hosts and the title holders in consecutive games and sent Italy packing with a comfortable 2-0 victory in the Round of 16.
Undeterred by the pressure there’s been a control to Switzerland’s play, which is underpinned by a midfield duo with a combined 200 international appearances. Granit Xhaka has taken plenty of plaudits this season after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double, but his midfield partner Remo Freuler has enjoyed an equally impressive season.
Used as a makeweight in the deal that saw Nicolas Dominguez head to Nottingham Forest, Freuler has carved out a campaign that stands on its own merits. An integral part of Thiago Motta’s superb Bologna side that stunned Serie A to secure Champions League football. He has played every game en route to the Euros quarterfinal, where the Swiss were once again foiled on penalties just three years after their heartbreaking shootout defeat vs. Spain.
Granit Xhaka vs. Italy:
-94/98 passes completed
-3 key passes
-1 foul won
-2/3 long balls completed
-1 clearance
-1/1 aerial duels won
-1/2 ground duels won
-1 shot blocked
-101 touches@tabuteauS on Xhaka: https://t.co/1IlWZusyqG pic.twitter.com/nkLnfOuebV— Breaking The Lines (@BTLvid) June 29, 2024
Able to play across the midfield, Freuler is the epitome of Switzerland’s highly structured and well-drilled team. Not reliant on possession, Switzerland sit 15th for average possession per 90 at the Euros, Freuler is entrusted with providing thrust in transition, with Switzerland happy to soak up pressure – they are fifth for clearances attempted.
Freuler may not be as adept at passing through the lines as Xhaka – the Leverkusen man has completed double the number of progressive passes as Freuler (14) this tournament. But his off-the-ball running, as showcased by his goal against Italy, provides a different threat.
The Bologna midfielder prefers to receive progressive passes, whereas Xhaka prefers to play them, and there’s a familiarity about how each other wants to operate, the pair have played together 50 times for Switzerland, which makes their partnership so effective.
The beauty of Freuler’s relationship with Xhaka is that they’re capable of interchanging roles when the situation dictates. During his time in Italy, where he has spent the last nine years bar his one season with Forest, Freuler has routinely finished within the top five for progressive passes and passes into the final third, according to FBref.
Cartography of the Rossocrociati: An International and Domestic Survey of Swiss Football
Freuler is confident and creative with the ball at his feet, but he fulfills a role for Switzerland, one that has served him and his country well. The 32-year-old offers finesse but also tenacity and ranked second in Serie A for tackles won last season. His versatility speaks to his character and is a key reason he’s been a mainstay for club and country for nearly a decade.
Bologna have already lost their manager Thiago Motta and their top scorer Joshua Zirkzee, and it seems that their star defender Riccardo Calafiori could be the latest out the door with a move to Arsenal in the works. They’ll be counting on Freuler’s composure and work ethic in midfield as they prepare for their first Champions League campaign in six decades under new coach Vincenzo Italiano.
By: Sam Tabuteau / @tabuteauS
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Alex Pantling – UEFA