Name: Haris Seferovic
Club: Real Sociedad
Nationality: Switzerland
Position: Striker
Who is he?
A Swiss national of Serbian stock, Haris Seferovic might be just 21, but he first hit the headlines almost five years ago. More on that later.
The 6 foot 1 striker spent his early years at youth side FC Sursee and Luzern, before getting picked up by Swiss top tier side Grasshopper Zurich at the age of 15.
After two years in the youth ranks he made his senior debut in 2009. But just three league appearances later he was at Serie A side Fiorentina. But between 2010 and 2013 he only made eight league appearances for the Viola, spending much of his time on loan at Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax and Italian sides Lecce and Novara. Indeed he only scored six times for Fiorentina’s Primavera team (youth team).
Achievements
But what’s the fuss about and why did Fiorentina sign him? Well if I take you back to the 2009 U17 World Cup, out of nowhere Seferovic became the star player as Switzerland won their first ever global title and only their second major title after the 2002 U17 European Champions.
Seferovic was the joint top scorer at the tournament and scored the winning goal in the final against Nigeria.
While his club career stalled for a while following that breakout appearance, there are signs that he is finding his feet. After scoring 10 goals in 18 games for Novara in Serie B during the second half of last season.
That prompted current Champions League participants Real Sociedad to take a punt on him. Seferovic was unsure when he was first approached by the Basques in January but was swayed by their style of play, completing a four year deal in the summer.
So far this season, he scored an amazing 30-yard stike in the Champions League playoffs (recommended viewing) and also found the net on his La Liga debut against Getafe, which you can watch below. This was on the back of six goals in pre-season.
Even though he once claimed that he only wished to play for Bosnia, Seferovic opted for Switzerland and scored a winner in the World Cup qualifier against Cyprus in June – just his second game after debuting in March. Consequently he has been branded a traitor in Bosnia.
Attributes
Tall, strong and direct, Seferovic is a typical No 9. Strong in the air due to his height and physicality, he is also clinical with his feet.
The left-footer is also intelligent when leading the line.
Potential
It’s hard to gauge how Seferovic’s career will progress. After his showing at the U17 World Cup he disappointed but seems to be reinvigorated over the last nine months. He is contracted to Sociedad until 2017 and it would be wise to stay there if he proves a success.
If he keeps his form up, we are likely to see him at the 2014 World Cup with the Swiss in a good position to qualify.
