Frei scorer set to shine on home turf

Alexander Frei goes into the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in his native Switzerland already established as a senior international. Indeed, after making one appearance in the U-21 qualifiers, Frei was called up to the national team before returning to score in both legs of the play-off victory over the Ukraine.

Senior star
In the interim, the Servette FC striker scored five times for the senior team in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, including a hat-trick in his first start against Luxembourg. For good measure, he has scored 15 league goals for Servette in the Swiss league this season, helping the Geneva club to fourth place and a UEFA Cup spot next season.

UEFA Cup goals
That should be a happy return for the 22-year-old, who came to international prominence this season with his displays in the competition. His strikes against Hertha HSC Berlin and Valencia CF helped Servette reach the last 16 of the competition last season.

Hat-trick hero
But Frei, who has previously played for FC Basel, FC Thoune and FC Luzern, is a down to earth player, as evidenced by his reaction after scoring in the ninth, 31st and 90th minutes of his international debut in March 2001. He said then: "Football's a day-to-day business and if I shoot three metres over the bar on Saturday, no one will be asking for me then.”

Chances appreciated
Similarly Frei is well aware of the advantages afforded by having played in Swiss underage teams since U-15 level. He said: “Everyone who plays for the national team, experiences things which they would otherwise miss. One sees other countries and above all different football players of the same age. When would I have visited the Ukraine if not for a football game?”

Happy at home
He is also on record as saying that only U-21 football can be viewed as a real stepping stone to the national team, while he has also chosen to stay in Switzerland – despite reported overtures from German 1. Bundesliga clubs - to complete his football development. He said: “One should succeed first on a national basis and dream only then about playing abroad.” In that case, it is likely that several club scouts will be dreaming about Frei if he shows his best form on home turf this month.