Bundesliga

Who On Earth Is… Philipp Degen

By Matthew Day ⋅ April 26, 2008 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Liverpool have captured Swiss defender Philipp Degen on a free transfer as Rafa Benítez looks to construct a squad capable of mounting Liverpool’s most credible challenge for the Premier League title since the Spaniard’s arrival in 2004.

Degen primarily plays at right-back and despite the success of Álvaro Arbeloa and Steve Finnan in that position, while Jamie Carragher is also more than capable, Benítez appears to be looking to add much-needed depth in quality to the squad.

Benítez first noted Degen’s name following a commanding World Cup with Switzerland in 2006. He helped guide his country into the second round, and Switzerland went out of the competition having not conceded a single goal in their four matches - the first such occasion in World Cup history. Degen was an essential part of a sturdy back-line that kept out the likes of France and Ukraine, adding to his budding reputation as a reliable full-back.

After starring for Basel domestically and in European competition, he secured a move to Borussia Dortmund and helped them to consecutive top ten finishes in the last two campaigns. Degen - who has a twin brother, David - is known for his pace down the right flank and for being a towering presence in defence, standing tall at 1.84m.

At 25, Degen has plenty of experience. He has turned out for Basel in both the Champions League and Uefa Cup, is a regular in the Switzerland squad, already with 19 caps, and is set to play an integral role as they co-host this summer’s European Championships.

Benítez is keen to add to his defence despite it being the third tightest in the Premier League behind only Manchester United and Chelsea, and has moved early in order to ward off likely interest from other clubs in the immediate aftermath of Euro 2008.

Degen will predominantly be a reserve player and having never played in a major league or club, questions will be asked of his suitability to the Premier League.

Nevertheless, despite a noticeable lack of interest from other Champions League clubs across the continent, Benítez’s latest signing has no risk attached and Degen’s role next season is expected to be limited to domestic cup appearances and infrequent outings in the league as Liverpool fans await a long overdue title challenge. Benítez has started with the arduous task of building a squad capable of lasting the distance; Degen is the first through the door but is not likely to be the last as another hectic summer nears.

Tags: Borussia Dortmund, Euro 2008, Philipp Degen, Rafa Benitez, Switzerland

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