Former Arsenal centre-back David Luiz has responded to Granit Xhaka on social media ahead of England v Switzerland.
Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale will be reunited with Granit Xhaka on Saturday, as England and Switzerland will meet in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Xhaka has impressed at the tournament in Germany so far. The 31-year-old midfielder has carried his impressive club form onto the international stage, and has been a real leader for Switzerland in the middle of the park, dictating the pace of games and breaking up opposition attacks.
Xhaka has joined legends of the game such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane on a list of players to have amassed more man of the match awards at European Championships than anyone else.
Meanwhile, England have been uninspiring at Euro 2024 so far. Saka has failed to sparkle in the manner that he so often does under Mikel Arteta, and Declan Rice has been criticised by the English press for his displays.
On paper, England ought to have enough to overcome the Swiss. However, given the relative form and confidence levels of the two teams, Xhaka and Co. will be convinced that they have what it takes to pull off a famous victory in Dusseldorf.
Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka looks ahead to England v Switzerland, David Luiz responds
England will need to drastically improve if they are to stand any chance of getting the better of Switzerland. Rice and Xhaka will go head-to-head in the middle of the park, and the 25-year-old will need to find a way to stop the Bayer Leverkusen star taking control of the match.
Meanwhile, Xhaka is full of belief ahead of this fixture, and recently took to Instagram to post an inspiring message. He said: “Don’t make excuses for why you can’t get it done. Focus on all the reasons why you must make it happen.”
David Luiz responded to this missive with a simple statement: “Machine.”
The 37-year-old Brazilian centre-back spent two seasons with Arsenal, between 2019 and 2021, sharing a dressing room with Xhaka.
What is ex-Arsenal star Luiz doing now?
The 57-cap former Brazil international is still playing the game, and has been plying his trade in his homeland for Flamengo since his departure from the Emirates Stadium.
The former Chelsea man is now coming towards the end of an incredibly successful career, though he is not remembered all too fondly in North London, as he was something of a liability at the back for the Gunners.
