Vonlanthen became the second youngest player to feature at a European Championship four years ago in Portugal, and became the youngest scorer in the tournament's history when he netted during a group game against France.
Having then being forced to sit out the 2006 World Cup with a hamstring injury the tricky forward will be keen to reassert his name on the international stage.
Vonlanthen was actually born in Colombia, but qualifies to play for Switzerland through his nationalised stepfather.
He has adapted well to the rigours of international football and provides a considerable goal threat either as an attacking midfielder or an out-and-out striker.
He made a name for himself after making his Swiss league debut as a 16-year-old for Young Boys back in 2001.
His potential was quickly spotted by PSV Eindhoven and the Dutch giants took him to the Eredivisie two years later.
He displayed glimpses of brilliance during his time in Holland, but was eventually allowed to spend loan spells with Brescia and NAC Breda as his first-team opportunities began to dwindle.
With it clear that he no longer had a future at the Philips Stadion, Red Bull Salzburg took him to Austria in 2006 and he helped his new club to a league title in his first season.
Having finally shaken off the injury problems which have blighted his career to date Vonlanthen could prove to be one of the surprise packages at this summer's tournament.

Switzerland