Diego Benaglio, Switzerland's first-choice goalkeeper at the UEFA EURO 2008, has a problem with his team-mates at VfL Wolfsburg. Or to put it more plainly, his team-mates have a problem with him. "He is a really good goalie, but we have problems understanding him because he speaks Swiss-German," joked defender Alexander Madlung. Benaglio has pledged to learn high German but conceded "that may take a while".
Pivotal years
The language barrier, however, has been the 24-year-old's only significant problem since joining Wolfsburg from Portuguese side CD Nacional in the winter break. He has had a terrific spring after rejoining coach Felix Magath, under whom he played at VfB Stuttgart between 2002 and 2005. "A determining factor in my transfer was definitely the fact that I had already worked with Felix Magath," Benaglio said. "The three years at Stuttgart really shaped me and my game. The goalkeeper training was very good, but I matured as a person as well."
Swiss favourite
The Swiss-Italian's return to Wolfsburg also cemented his place in Switzerland's plans, with Jakob Kuhn saying a few weeks after his return that Benaglio would be his No1 at UEFA EURO 2008™. "Benaglio is an extremely talented keeper," explained Kuhn. "His character, his composure and his positive body language are a benefit for this team."
'No weaknesses'
Capped only ten times for Switzerland, some might have seen Benaglio as a risky choice given the presence of the 37-year-old Pascal Zuberbühler, who has played 50 international games, in Kuhn's squad, but Magath rates him highly. "One day he will be among the best goalkeepers in the world," said the former FC Bayern München coach. "He has no weaknesses. I don't know if Oliver Kahn was this good at Benaglio's age."
Bold prediction
Even the fearless Kahn might have baulked making as bold a prediction as Benaglio for Switzerland's UEFA EURO 2008™ prospects. "We will be European champions," he said. "Every team that plays in the championship should want to win the title, otherwise you shouldn't even take a step on to the pitch." If self-belief can be translated into silverware, Benaglio's unlikely prediction may yet come true.
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