One former Arsenal star has just managed a stunning achievement at Euro 2024 that sees him ranked amongst some legends of the game.
This summer’s Euro 2024 tournament is littered with Arsenal interest.
Arsenal striker Kai Havertz has been leading the line for the host nation, Germany. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Aaron Ramsdale are all part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
Arsenal fans feel that Saka has been able to impress for England in the midst of what has been an underwhelming tournament campaign for the Three Lions so far.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping that all of the North London club’s stars who are taking part in the competition can impress, but above all avoid injury.
The Gunners have already suffered a blow in this regard. Kieran Tierney has returned to Arsenal early having sustained an injury at Euro 2024 with Scotland.
However, it is a former Arsenal star who has grabbed the biggest headlines so far in Germany.
Arsenal favourite Granit Xhaka shines on the international stage
Granit Xhaka has been imperious for Switzerland at Euro 2024 so far.
The 31-year-old midfielder was magnificent in the middle of the park as his side held Germany to a 1-1 draw in their final group stage match in Frankfurt last night.
Xhaka was named the Man of the Match for his performance, having also been given the same honour when Switzerland beat Hungary 3-1 in their first outing in the tournament.
The Bayer Leverkusen star also picked up a Man of the Match award in the 2020 edition of the tournament, and on two occasions in 2016.
Over the course of his career, Xhaka has been named Man of the Match in European Championships matches five times.
As per the official Euros website, only Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta can boast more Euros Man of the Match awards, with six each to their names. Meanwhile, the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Andrea Pirlo now trail Xhaka, with four such honours on their record each.
Did Mikel Arteta make a mistake in letting Xhaka go?
Arsenal sold Xhaka last summer, after he had just enjoyed his most impressive season at the Emirates Stadium. He has since gone from strength to strength with German club Bayer Leverkusen.
Xhaka had an up-and-down time at Arsenal, but left as a fan-favourite. Meanwhile, Arteta is now seeking to bolster the Arsenal midfield contingent this summer. The Gunners may now regret not still having the Euros hero on their books.