|
|
|
2008 Sports Events
|
Home >>
FIFA 2006 World Cup >> Best Young Players |
| |
Tranquillo Barnetta |
|
Date of Birth: 22 May, 1985
This young player plays for Bayer Leverkusen as a midfielder. Barnetta had a European U-17 title at the age of 16. He was included in the national side at the age of 18. He was also included into the Bundesliga side, Bayer Leverkusen. Barnetta comes from a family with Italian roots. He was noticed when was playing for Rotmonten junior side. He was included into the youth set-up of St Gallen at the age of 11. Coach Gerard Castella accelerated Barnetta into the senior side in 2002. He helped Switzerland win the UEFA European U-17 Championship. He had a successful stint with both the U-17s and St Gallen. Barnetta's career speaks loads about his caliber. He played more than 60 top division games in his first two seasons. He got a call-up for UEFA EURO 2004 from Swiss coach Kobi Kuhn. He also played for Bayer Leverkusen.
He made his international debut during a September 2004 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland. He had a break in between as he was injured. He had a loan spell at Hannover. He was back in the national team ahead of Switzerland's trip to Faroe Islands in June 2005.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Deutsch