This should raise eyebrows, because the player in question is an outstanding talent once tipped by current Bayern boss Vincent Kompany as a future Ballon d’Or winner. Although Duranville has been hampered by a string of injuries throughout his young career, he must now raise his game across the board—especially by showing greater professionalism.
“He was playing in a very playful manner and was also taking risks with a lot of backheels, through balls, one-twos and three-way moves,” says Schauffert. “As a result, he occasionally lost possession in a way that could have been avoided. On the other hand, FC Basel’s play in the second half of the season was characterised by numerous individual errors and poor decisions. Duranville was no exception.”
Basel, who began the campaign as double champions, slipped to fifth in the final standings, posting a negative goal difference and finishing 19 points adrift of Thun. Lichtsteiner’s points average of 1.05 over 19 games is starkly underwhelming, and the club ultimately missed every target, leaving it primed for a top-to-bottom overhaul.