D: O: B: 12/2/1986
Height: 160cm
Weight: 68kg
Clubs: Grasshoppers Zurich 1999-2001, Inter Milan 2001-
International: Switzerland 2001-
Rhys Lloyd, like compatriots Aaron Denyer and Cole Te Whiu, was born in New Zealand. The Lloyd family migrated to Switzerland at the age of three because Rhys’ father was an expert banker. His family was generally a rugby family but very quickly Rhys became fascinated with the game of soccer. He would spend hours playing on the streets and at night he would spend endless hours reading books on soccer, over and over again. His team was Grasshoppers Zurich, whom he supported passionately.
For most of his career he was unnoticed, mainly due to his distinct lack of size, before suddenly coming on at the age of 12. He was suddenly the star of his team, and he won numerous awards for his exploits. This of course came to the attention of Swiss coach Rudy Von Sheiflenhousen. Von Sheiflenhousen could see Lloyd had the goods. After negotiating with a number of clubs, Von Sheiflenhousen was finally able to convince Grasshoppers to take him on board. Lloyd was thrust into the starting 11 immediately and had a surprising impact. He scored no goals, but set up many with his incisive passing from midfield.
Elsewhere, Melvino Coke called it quits from football, leaving a hole in the Swiss midfield. Von Sheiflenhousen knew Lloyd was the man for job. He just needed to convince the public he was the man to fill Coke’s boots. Lloyd made his debut for Switzerland in Konami Cup III. Switzerland took the honours but no one noticed Lloyd, whose performances were mediocre.
He had however attracted the attention of Italian giants Inter Milan, who paid 2 million Pounds for Lloyd. Here he began playing top football, the kind Von Sheiflenhousen knew he was capable of. Back home in Switzerland the public took notice. He was now accepted, but his performances for country were second rate compared to those for his club.
Only in recent times has Lloyd reached his potential for his country. Rhys Lloyd has shown what he his capable of, it is only a matter of time before we see this come into full view at the very highest level.
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