Switzerland may not boast the footballing powerhouse status of their many neighbouring nations, but the 96th-largest country on earth has amassed an inspiring collection of young talents - and err... Philip Senderos... - that appear to be developing together at an incredible rate.

La Nati won their opening World Cup fixture against Ecuador, after surprising many by qualifying for the tournament itself, suggesting they could well become one of Brazil 2014's dark horses.

And as we all know, there's no place better than the greatest sporting spectacle on earth (no, not Wrestlemania) to showcase your talents.

With that in mind, this article takes a look at the FIVE Switzerland players, all linked with Anfield switches this summer, that Liverpool would love to get their hands on in the coming transfer window.

Xherdan Shaqiri (2)

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RICARDO RODRIGUEZ

Ricardo Rodriguez:

Along with Alberto Moreno and Marcos Rojo to name a few, Liverpool have reportedly been eying Ricardo Rodriguez as a potential solution to their left-back problem...

The 21 year-old has just come to the end of a sensational campaign with parent club Wolfsburg and is now transitioning his unbelievable attacking output into the World Cup, as seen below...

Rodriguez stats

...leading to many viewing the Switzerland international as one of Europe's top defensive prodigies. Here's the highlights from his breakthrough season at the Volkswagen Arena... //www.youtube.com/embed/2U1d6s_LAGI?autoplay=1 Recent speculation however suggests the Anfield side may view the defender's price-tag as too high...

FABIAN SCHAR

Fabian Schar

A number of top Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, have been strongly linked to FC Basel's Fabian Schar - a young ball-playing centre-back who would certainly suit Brendan Rodgers' progressive brand of football.

The 22 year-old has claimed back-to-back Swiss Super League titles since joining Bebbi in summer 2012, but it's in the Champions League where he's truly impressed.

He gained the highest rating of any centre-half in the competition this season according to Whoscored.com, and also boasted incredible defensive statistics, as seen below...

schar cl

The Switzerland international, yet to feature at the World Cup, is pretty talented down the other end of the pitch too...

//www.youtube.com/embed/MIe6I323HPc

...not to mention this wonder strike during his FC Wil days...

//www.youtube.com/embed/dH1mLudmGgg?autoplay=1&loop=1&playlist= dH1mLudmGgg

But the £9million-rated defender has a plethora of suitors, including Arsenal, Barcelona and Borussia Monchengladbach to name a few. Recent speculation however suggests Mauricio Pochettino is eying Schar at Tottenham...

GRANIT XHAKA

Granit Xhaka

Once dubbed 'the young Schweinsteiger' by Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld for his mixture of technical quality and robust upper body strength, Granit Xhaka has often been mooted as a potential successor to Steven Gerrard on Merseyside. The Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder lacks the output of Liverpool's Captain Fantastic, but comes with a relentless work-rate and excellent ball retention skills, as shown in the video below.. //www.youtube.com/embed/GF-NQnLDR9A

The 21 year-old was strongly linked with an Anfield switch in December...

But recent speculation suggests Xhaka could be on the move to Inter Milan

XHERDAN SHAQIRI

Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland):

Brendan Rodgers' apparent adoration for Xherdan Shaqiri is well known, with the Bayern Munich starlet heavily linked with a Liverpool move in the last two transfer windows.

The attacking midfielder has proved a useful cameo performer for the German Champions following his move from FC Basel in 2011, finding six goals and two assists in 17 Bundesliga outings this season. He also netted this cool nut-meg finish for Switzerland in a World Cup warm-up friendly...

Although Shaqiri is considered to be one of Europe's top prodigies, a lack of game time with the Bavarians is stifling his progress. A summer departure is widely expected, and the 22 year-old's mixture of power and technique, as shown in the video below, would certainly go down well on Merseyside... //www.youtube.com/embed/tvXakNsBBSQ Recent speculation suggests the Reds have already entered negotiations with Bayern, amid the Anfield gaffer's demand for 'multipurpose signings' this summer...

Perhaps Shaqiri will view this surprise appearance of a Liverpool flag during La Nati's clash with France as a sign from the footballing heavens...

Then again, maybe not.

BLERIM DZEMAILI

Blerim Dzemaili (2)

According to the Express, Liverpool and Spurs are chasing after one-time Bolton midfielder Blerim Dzemaili...

The 28 year-old spent two years at the Reebok without ever featuring in the Premier League, but has fared much better in Serie A, helping Napoli claim two Coppa Italias in the space of three seasons.

Along the way, the Swiss international has claimed 16 goals in 86 league outings, and also netted this rather audacious free kick against France on Friday night...

Dzemaili is a skilful and direct midfielder - particularly potent on the counter-attack, as seen in the video below... //www.youtube.com/embed/HBrCAsvyi3k And recent speculation suggests a swap deal with the Naples outfit could be on the cards...