Leeds United’s Isaac Schmidt received his first call up from Switzerland manager Murat Yakin for this international break.
The left-back has admitted Yakin’s decision to include him in the squad for the friendlies against Northern Ireland and Luxembourg surprised him, and Blick have relayed his comments.
On his call up, he said: “I was surprised myself. A number I didn’t recognise called me, and suddenly someone spoke German and said he was Murat Yakin.”
Blick points out the 25-year-old’s profile cannot be matched by any other player in the national team squad. He can operate on the left or right, both in a back four and with a back three.
They add the upcoming friendlies provide Yakin an opportunity to test whether the Leeds player can become a long-term option for the future.
Schmidt joined the Whites from St. Gallen on last summer deadline day and has played 205 minutes from nine games. He played more minutes [524] for the Swiss club this season than at Leeds.
The fullback says he has made progress since moving to England by training under Daniel Farke’s orders.
“The training sessions at Leeds are of a completely different quality than they were in St. Gallen. Even though I’m not playing, I’ve gotten used to the fast pace. If I had joined the national team eight months ago, I might not have been able to keep up with the intensity here in training,” Schmidt explained.
The defender’s contract at Elland Road lasts until 2028. Despite the limited role so far this season, Leeds have assured him he’ll have an important role in the future.
“The club showed me clear prospects and made it clear to me that they see the potential in me to become a regular starter,” he added.
“England is a different world than Switzerland. I only moved shortly before the transfer deadline. It takes time to establish yourself at a club like that. I’m waiting for my chance.”
Schmidt’s prefers to operate as a left-back, where Junior Firpo has been used regularly this season.
Firpo’s contract expires in June and if he were to leave in the summer, the Swiss can get regular opportunities next season.
