Nico Elvedi's Switzerland revival after Leeds United move

Nico Elvedi has reclaimed his key role for Switzerland after a tough Euro 2024 and a summer move to Leeds United, starring in the recent 3-0 win over North Macedonia.

Nico Elvedi has reclaimed his key role for the Switzerland national team. The 29-year-old defender impressed in the 3-0 away win over North Macedonia on Saturday evening, showing world-class form again after a difficult summer.

His transformation is closely linked to his August move from Borussia Mönchengladbach to Leeds United. Elvedi had previously spent eleven years with the German club, making 318 appearances and becoming the foreign player with the most Bundesliga games in Gladbach's history. The second half of last season was marked by a dip in form that also cost him his place at Euro 2024. He was one of only six players in the Swiss squad who did not play a single minute in Germany.

Burden of a Failed Transfer

The defensive strategist admitted he was not fully there mentally. "In my head I wasn't fully there," he confessed. This period was tied to a failed move to Wolverhampton Wanderers that weighed on him. Instead of transferring, he signed a new contract at Gladbach but was not selected at the start of the season. The fresh start at Leeds under manager Daniel Farke, who coached him for a year at Gladbach, brought the turnaround. "It was a very big change," Elvedi said about the step to the Premier League, which fulfilled a dream for him.

Farke, who used Elvedi for the most minutes of any outfield player in one Bundesliga season, has great faith in the Swiss international. "If he is in his top flow, he is one of the best centre-backs in Europe. He has proven that over years," said the Leeds boss. This form was now evident again in the national shirt. After 74 caps, he felt as confident against North Macedonia as he did during the World Cup. "I felt I won every duel," he explained.

Leadership Role and Future

Elvedi, who rose to vice-captain at Gladbach, now wants to bring his experience to the national team. "I want to experience something again," he emphasised emotionally. The current data shows the team's positive development. Switzerland leads their World Cup qualifying group with 7 points from 3 games and has won three and drawn one of its last five matches.

The next test comes on Tuesday with the away fixture in Scotland. For Elvedi and the team, it's about consolidating their lead in the group. The positive momentum that started with the clear win in Skopje must continue. Elvedi's comeback is a central building block for the Swiss national team's continued success in this qualifying phase.