Rubén Vargas
LW
One-v-One Creator
Aug 5, 1998 (27)
Right
5'10"
170 lb
Active outing on left flank
Vargas recorded three shots (one on goal), 11 crosses (three accurate) and six corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Qatar.
Analysis: Vargas was direct and persistent throughout his 79 minutes in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Qatar, registering three shots (one on target) from the left flank and combining consistently with Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo in the final third as Switzerland's most active wide outlet on the left side of the pitch, also delivering 11 crosses including six corners, the most of any player on the pitch. The winger drove at the Qatar backline with determination and contributed to the sustained pressure that kept Qatar pinned back for large spells, with his set-piece delivery in particular creating multiple dangerous situations inside the box that Qatar struggled to deal with throughout. Replaced by Zeki Amdouni with his side still leading 1-0, Vargas was not on the pitch to witness the stoppage-time own goal that denied Switzerland a winning start, with his exit one of the tactical decisions coach Murat Yakin will be reflecting on ahead of the Bosnia-Herzegovina clash on Thursday.
Starts against Qatar
Vargas (undisclosed) is on the starting XI for Switzerland's game against Qatar
Analysis: Vargas was absent from Saturday's 1-1 draw against Australia after picking up a minor undisclosed injury on Wednesday, an issue that saw him train apart from the group on Friday. He returned to full training shortly after and reclaimed his place in the starting eleven without delay.
Trains fully with Switzerland
Vargas (undisclosed) is training at full capacity as part of a fully healthy Switzerland squad, according to Lucas Werder of Blick Sport.
Analysis: Vargas missed Saturday's 1-1 draw against Australia due to a minor undisclosed injury sustained Wednesday, which led to him training separately from the group on Friday. He is now back training at full capacity as part of a fully healthy squad ahead of the opener against Qatar and could push for a starting spot.
Dealing with minor injury
Vargas (undisclosed) missed Saturday's 1-1 draw against Australia after picking up a minor injury on Wednesday and training separately from the group on Friday, though coach Murat Yakin confirmed he will be fully available to train with the squad from this week, according to RTS. "All the players are healthy, which is very important. Next week, we will be able to train with all the players, including Breel and Ruben."
Analysis: Vargas has been one of the most important figures in coach Murat Yakin's setup since the beginning of his tenure and is expected to be fully fit for Switzerland's World Cup opener against Qatar on June 13. The winger's return to full training this week will give the coach the full complement of attacking options he needs to finalize his preparations for the tournament.
Creative force for Switzerland
Vargas has been named in Switzerland's World Cup squad and is expected to start on the left wing under coach Murat Yakin, arriving at the tournament in good physical condition after managing to string together a consistent run of matches in the final stretch of a difficult season with Sevilla.
Analysis: Vargas endured a campaign heavily disrupted by injuries but finished strongly, contributing three goals and six assists alongside 90 crosses including 40 corners across 24 appearances this season. His set-piece duties for both club and country enhance his value, with the Swiss winger handling corners and free kicks and ranking among the tournament's top dead-ball specialists. His ability to deliver dangerous crosses from wide areas and create chances through direct running gives Switzerland a consistent attacking threat down the left flank. Vargas is one of the most important creative outlets in manager Murat Yakin's system. His experience in major international tournaments and his understanding of the national team's style of play give him a natural advantage heading into the competition, particularly given the attacking responsibility he carries on that side of the pitch.
Three shots off bench
Vargas generated three shots (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 1-0 defeat versus Celta Vigo.
Analysis: Vargas made an appearance off the bench during the final of the season Saturday. A mid season hamstring injury saw the forward miss some time, resulting in just 24 appearances in La a Liga (20 starts). He still managed to be the team's top playmaker with six assists, along with his three goals while collecting 90 crosses and creating 28 chances.
Able to get assist
Vargas assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), five crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Wednesday's 3-2 victory over Villarreal.
Analysis: Despite zero accurate crosses, Vargas was able to get an assist thanks to his three created chances. Similar to his teammate Djibril Sow, Vargas will need to remain heavily active for Sevilla to breach a Real Madrid defense which has let in just 33 goals in La Liga play.
Struggles to generate offense
Vargas generated two shots (zero on goal), six crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Thursday's 2-0 loss against Levante.
Analysis: Vargas did his best to try to get Sevilla a point from the encounter, but he was unable to score or assist in the 2-0 loss. He has a somewhat neutral matchup looming against Osasuna as the side has allowed 39 goals in 32 league games. The forward will have to improve his efficiency to break through this defense.
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