Pirmin Schwegler is one of the most promising young talents in Swiss football. The Ettiswil-born midfielder learned his trade with FC Grosswangen before moving to FC Lucerne in 2002.

After signing his first professional contract with the Swiss Super League outfit in 2003, the 72kg lightweight was able to gather plenty of top level experience in the early years of his career. Following a spell at BSC Young Boys in 2005/06, Schwegler decided on a move to Germany with Bayer Leverkusen.

Despite a difficult first few months with the Werkself, the 1.77m stopper managed to make over 40 appearances during a three-year spell in Germany's top flight.

In search of regular first team football, the 23-year-old signed for Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2009 and soon made himself a fixture in the Eagles' starting line up.

Having previously represented his country at every youth level from U-16 onwards, Schwegler was handed his senior debut by Ottmar Hitzfeld on 12 August 2009 when he came on as a second-half substitute in the 0-0 friendly draw wth Italy, and he played his first full 90 minutes for Switzerland three months later in a 0-1 defeat against Norway.

Schwegler's consistently solid performances at club level have seen him become an integral part of the Nati squad, and as a result he can look forward to making his first FIFA World Cup™ appearance in South Africa this June.