Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has thrived since he left last year, and is continuing to deliver outstanding performances in the middle of the park.
Xhaka won a historic undefeated Bundesliga title and Cup double with Bayer Leverkusen, but Xabi Alonso’s side could not complete a treble as they were beaten in the Europa League final.
The 30-year-old completed a remarkable redemption at the club. Just before Mikel Arteta arrived at Arsenal in 2019, he appeared to be on his way out after a fallout with sections of the fanbase.
In his final season at the Emirates, Xhaka became a fan favourite with his excellent performances in midfield, and these have continued as Switzerland began their Euro 2024 campaign with a victory over Hungary.
Granit Xhaka the best player on the pitch as Switzerland beat Hungary at Euro 2024
Xhaka helped Switzerland to a 3-1 victory over Hungary in their opening game at the tournament. They are in a group with Germany and Scotland, and with Kai Havertz helping the hosts to a huge win on Friday, Switzerland have now put themselves in the driving seat to reach the knockouts.
The former Arsenal captain was a dominant force in the middle of the pitch, helping dictate the play and getting his side out of intense Hungarian pressure in the late stages.
BBC pundit Izzy Christiansen described Xhaka’s performance as “brilliant” after he executed a “wonderful bit of play” in the second half.
Xhaka completed 90% of his 88 attempted passes, whilst creating four chances, and providing physicality as he won four of his five ground duels, and both his aerial duels.
Granit Xhaka’s weight of passing proves invaluable for Switzerland
Arsenal are in the market for a new central midfielder to complement Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, and Xhaka would have still been ideal for the role.
Xhaka was everywhere as he dominated the midfield against Hungary, and his weight of pass as he progressed the ball forward was crisp.
The Switzerland captain has continually shone for his country. He was a standout figure as his side shocked France at Euro 2020, and he has now earned yet another player of the match award.
He will hope Switzerland can reach the knockouts again, and that he can continue to show why he is now one of the best midfielders in European football.
Arsenal players and transfer targets at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode of Cannon Fire – The Arsenal Insider Podcast, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discuss the European Championships. With 11 Arsenal players set to feature at the tournament, the pair debated which players could be fighting for their futures, and which are destined to succeed on the international stage.