Nico Elvedi
BMG
CB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Sep 30, 1996 (29)
Right
6'2"
185 lb
Leeds UnitedSigns three year deal with Leeds
Elvedi has signed a permanent three year deal with Leeds United from Borussia Monchengladbach, the club announced.
Analysis: Elvedi came through FC Zurich's academy and made his senior debut in 2014 before Borussia Monchengladbach signed him ahead of the 2015-16 season, where he went on to make over 300 Bundesliga appearances and 15 Champions League main stage appearances across 11 years at the club. He previously played under Leeds coach Daniel Farke during his single season in charge at Gladbach in 2022-23, featuring in 34 matches, and reached the World Cup quarterfinals with Switzerland this summer, playing in all six of the nation's matches. Elvedi is expected to add experience and versatility to a center back group that already includes Joe Rodon, Jayden Bogle and Tarik Muharemovic.
Stands out in shootout win
Elvedi recorded eight clearances and three interceptions in Tuesday's 0-0 (4-3) penalty shootout victory over Colombia.
Analysis: Elvedi was quite impressive in defensive duties Tuesday, leading his side with eight clearances, and surpassing two interceptions and one block for the first time in the current World Cup. He remains an essential piece of his country's back line, earning significant playing time and helping limit the opposition's scoring output. However, he might face his toughest test so far in the upcoming quarter-finals meeting with Argentina.
Anchors back line in victory
Elvedi generated one shot (zero on goal) in Thursday's 2-0 victory over Algeria.
Analysis: Elvedi registered one shot, one block and two tackles (one won) across his 90 minutes in Thursday's 2-0 win over Algeria, providing the defensive composure alongside Manuel Akanji that allowed Switzerland to absorb Algeria's possession and transition into the rapid counter-attacks that produced both goals. The center-back won one aerial duel and completed 50 passes, maintaining his position as a reliable and technically assured starter in a Swiss backline heading into the round of 16 against Colombia or Ghana.
Busy again in Canada contest
Elvedi generated one tackle (zero won), one block and 13 clearances in Wednesday's 2-1 win against Canada.
Analysis: Elvedi put up strong numbers again in the back, outproducing his previous two displays, but he was caught out of position on the Canada goal, like his goalie and a pair of teammates. He has notched at least four clearances in all three games, totaling 23 and recording two interceptions, two chances created and one block during that stretch, but Switzerland have yet to secure a clean sheet.
Leads clearances in tidy display
Elvedi recorded six clearances in Thursday's 4-1 win versus Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 65th minute.
Analysis: Elvedi led Switzerland in clearances with eight but his other defensive numbers were modest for the night. His only foul of the game earned him a yellow card, and he has now picked up three fouls across the opening two games. In possession though he was tidy and reliable, completing 67 of 70 passes and creating one chance for his side.
Solid at heart of defense
Elvedi registered two shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Qatar.
Analysis: Elvedi anchored the center of Switzerland's back three with authority throughout Saturday's 1-1 draw with Qatar, winning the majority of his aerial duels. The Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back was beaten by Boualem Khoukhi's stoppage-time header from a corner, a collective defensive breakdown that overshadowed an otherwise composed individual performance and left Switzerland with one point instead of three heading into a group that now sees all four teams level.
Reliable Swiss center-back
Elvedi has been named in Switzerland's World Cup squad and is expected to partner Manuel Akanji at center-back under coach Murat Yakin, arriving at the tournament after a solid domestic campaign with Borussia Monchengladbach.
Analysis: Elvedi posted 43 tackles, 41 interceptions and an imposing 270 clearances across 33 Bundesliga appearances this season, underlining his consistency and physical presence at the heart of the Gladbach defense. His aerial dominance, ability to read dangerous situations early and composure under pressure make him a well-suited partner for the more ball-playing Manuel Akanji, with the two complementing each other effectively in the Swiss defensive setup. His clearance numbers in particular reflect a defender who takes ownership of his penalty area and makes the decisive interventions when they matter most.
Assists twice in season finale
Elvedi had two assists from two chances created while blocking two shots and making 13 clearances during Saturday's 4-0 win over Hoffenheim.
Analysis: Elvedi set up goals in the 81st and 91st minutes while leading Gladbach in blocks and clearances during the victory. Despite starting 33 Bundesliga matches, the assists were the first goal involvements this season for the centerback. Elvedi ends the year with 271 clearances, the most in the league.
Ends suspension
Elvedi is no longer banned and is an option for play again.
Analysis: Elvedi served his one-match ban due to yellow card accumulation, as the defender is an option for the final match of the season. He is a key defender for the team and should immediately return to the starting XI as his club wraps up the season.
Suspended one game
Elvedi will serve a one-match ban due to an accumulation of five yellow cards in the Bundesliga.
Analysis: Elvedi picked up his fifth yellow card in the Bundesliga and will serve a one-match suspension for Saturday's clash against Augsburg. The center-back has been an undisputed starter in the defense for Gladbach this season, therefore his absence will force a change in the starting XI, with Fabio Chiarodia likely replacing him for that game.
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