Playmaker and goalscorer

Switzerland's Hakan Yakin , right, scores the first goal for his team, next to Yugolslavia's Dukic Miroslav, centre, during the soccer World Championship qualifying match Switzerland vs. Yugoslawia in Basel, 01 September 2001.

When Hakan Yakin feels pain in his ankle, it is the Swiss football team that starts to limp. On the eve of the decisive group qualifier for Euro 2004 in October, 2003 against Ireland, all Swiss fans prayed for his fitness.

The prayers were evidently heard as Yakin played through the pain barrier and opened the scoring after just six minutes to pave the way for qualification, the second time Switzerland will compete at the final stages after their debut in 1996.

From Turkish origins, Yakin quickly developed a passion for football as a youngster alongwith his older brother Murat, and the pair were both destined for international football.

Hakan Yakin of the FC Basel jubilates after scoring the 1:0 during the UEFA Champions League match between Basel and Spartak Moscow played at St. Jakobs Park in Basel 17 September, 2002.

At 17-years-old, his talents were evident and he signed with FC Basel, the top club in his native city.

*Already close to his family including his mother and six siblings, he was joined at Basel by his gifted brother Murat in March, 2001 who had been on his own football expedition playing for Kaiserslautern, Stuttgart and Fenerbahce.

On top of dazzling from his midfield position, he can also score goals, knocking home an average of 10 per season.

In February, 2000, he made his international debut for Switzerland coming on as a substitute to score the fourth goal for his side in a 4-1 win over Oman and by the end of the year, he was an undisputed regular in the team.

On and off move to PSG

For Switzerland, he plays just behind the two strikers, weaving his magic in the number 10 shirt and creating openings for the two strikers, usually Stephane Chapuisat and Alexander Frei.

Turkish international midfielder Hakan Yakin from FC Bâle poses 01 August 2003 during a press conference at Camp des Loges in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, west of Paris. Hakan Yakin signed a four-year contract with Paris-Saint-Germain soccer club. AFP PHOTO JEAN-LOUP GAUTREAU

He was again decisive at club level in 2002 as Basel went on to win the Championship and Cup double as well as causing a stir in their Champions League campaign, helping to eliminate Liverpool and surprisingly reaching the second round group phase.

Paris Saint Germain agreed a deal for the youngster in the summer of 2003, but that is when the troubles began for Yakin.

He decided to have a hernia operation against the objections of the French club and the result was a terminated contract.

His career is now back on track and he joined Bundesliga club Stuttgart for 2 million euros in February, 2004 setting him up nicely for Euro 2004.