Granit Xhaka, the Swiss maestro, has captivated the world of football with his commanding presence and unwavering determination. From his early days in Basel to his current reign at Arsenal, Xhaka’s journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity, shaping him into the formidable player he is today.
Throughout his career, Xhaka has showcased his exceptional technical abilities, combining pinpoint passing with a thunderous shot. His leadership qualities have also shone through, inspiring his teammates both on and off the pitch.
Player Profile
Granit Xhaka is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Arsenal and the Switzerland national team. Known for his powerful shot, passing range, and leadership skills, Xhaka has established himself as one of the most consistent and influential players in the English top flight.
Born in Basel, Switzerland, to Kosovar-Albanian parents, Xhaka began his career with local club Concordia Basel before joining Basel in 2002. He made his professional debut in 2010 and quickly became a key player for the Swiss giants, winning the Swiss Super League title three times and the Swiss Cup twice.
In 2012, Xhaka joined Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he continued to impress with his performances. He helped the team qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history and was named the club’s Player of the Year in 2015.
In 2016, Xhaka moved to Arsenal for a club-record fee of £35 million. He has since become a mainstay in the Arsenal midfield, making over 250 appearances for the club. Xhaka has won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2017 and 2020 and has been named the club’s Player of the Season twice.
At the international level, Xhaka has represented Switzerland at every level from U-17 to the senior team. He made his senior debut in 2011 and has since earned over 100 caps for his country. Xhaka was part of the Swiss team that reached the last 16 of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 UEFA European Championship.
Playing Style
Xhaka is a versatile midfielder who can play in a variety of roles. He is primarily a central midfielder, but he can also play as a defensive midfielder or a box-to-box midfielder. Xhaka is known for his powerful shot, passing range, and leadership skills.
Granit Xhaka, the Arsenal midfielder, is known for his strong performances on the pitch. He will be looking to continue his good form in the upcoming PGA Championship 2024 . Xhaka has been in impressive form for Arsenal this season, and will be hoping to carry that form into the PGA Championship 2024.
Xhaka is a very good passer of the ball. He has a wide range of passing and can pick out teammates with pinpoint accuracy. He is also a very good shooter. He has a powerful shot and can score goals from outside the box.
Xhaka is a good tackler and interceptor. He is also a very good header of the ball. He is a very physical player and is not afraid to put his body on the line.
Xhaka is a very passionate player. He is a natural leader and is always trying to motivate his teammates. He is also a very vocal player and is not afraid to speak his mind.
Strengths
- Powerful shot
- Passing range
- Leadership skills
- Tackling
- Heading
- Physicality
- Passion
Weaknesses
- Discipline
- Lack of pace
- Can be rash in tackles
- Can be inconsistent
Arsenal Career: Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka joined Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016 for a fee of around £35 million. Since his arrival, he has become an integral part of the Arsenal team, playing a key role in the club’s midfield.
Xhaka is a versatile midfielder who can play in a variety of roles. He is primarily a defensive midfielder, but he can also play as a central midfielder or even as a left-back. Xhaka is a strong tackler and passer, and he is also good at winning aerial duels.
Contributions to the Squad, Granit xhaka
Xhaka has made a significant contribution to the Arsenal team since his arrival. He has helped the club win the FA Cup twice (in 2017 and 2020) and the Community Shield once (in 2017). He has also been a key player in Arsenal’s run to the Europa League final in 2019.
Xhaka is a leader on and off the pitch. He is a vocal presence in the dressing room, and he is always willing to put in the hard work. He is a role model for the younger players in the squad, and he is respected by his teammates and coaches.
Challenges
Xhaka has also faced some challenges during his time at Arsenal. He has been criticized for his discipline, and he has been sent off on several occasions. He has also been booed by Arsenal fans on occasion, but he has always responded to these challenges with determination and resilience.
Xhaka is a passionate player who cares deeply about Arsenal. He is a fighter, and he is always willing to give his all for the team. He is a valuable asset to the Arsenal squad, and he will continue to be a key player for the club in the years to come.
Leadership and Influence
Granit Xhaka is renowned for his leadership qualities both on and off the pitch. His unwavering determination, vocal presence, and ability to inspire his teammates have made him a respected figure in the Arsenal dressing room and the Swiss national team.
Xhaka’s leadership style is characterized by his strong communication skills and his ability to connect with players from diverse backgrounds. He is known for his passionate speeches and his willingness to hold his teammates accountable for their performances. His unwavering belief in his team’s abilities has been instrumental in motivating them to achieve success.
Influence on Arsenal
Since joining Arsenal in 2016, Xhaka has become an integral part of the team’s leadership group. His experience, tactical awareness, and ability to control the tempo of the game have made him a vital cog in the Arsenal midfield. Under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, Xhaka has flourished as a leader, often captaining the team in the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Swiss international Granit Xhaka has established himself as a key player for Arsenal, despite facing criticism in the past. His versatility and leadership skills have made him a valuable asset to the team. Interestingly, Xhaka’s wife, Leonita Lekaj, is also a renowned figure in her own right, known for her beauty and fashion sense . Xhaka’s success on the field has not only brought him recognition but has also extended to his family, making them popular figures in the world of sports and entertainment.
Xhaka’s influence on Arsenal is evident in the team’s improved performances in recent seasons. His leadership has helped create a more cohesive and resilient unit, capable of overcoming adversity and achieving their goals. His ability to motivate his teammates has been particularly valuable in crucial matches, where his passion and determination have inspired the team to dig deep and secure positive results.
Influence on Swiss National Team
Xhaka’s leadership qualities have also been instrumental in the success of the Swiss national team. As captain, he has played a key role in unifying the team and instilling a winning mentality. His experience and tactical acumen have been invaluable to the team, helping them to qualify for major tournaments and compete against some of the world’s best teams.
Xhaka’s influence on the Swiss national team is evident in their recent performances. Under his leadership, the team has achieved notable success, including reaching the quarterfinals of the 2021 UEFA European Championship. His leadership has been praised by teammates and coaches alike, who recognize his ability to inspire and motivate the team to perform at their best.
Controversies and Criticism
Granit Xhaka’s career has not been without its controversies and criticisms. One notable incident occurred in 2019 during a match against Crystal Palace, where he was sent off for a reckless challenge and responded by gesturing towards the Arsenal fans who were booing him.
This incident damaged his reputation among some supporters and led to questions about his temperament and leadership abilities.
Fan Criticism
Xhaka has also faced criticism from Arsenal fans for his perceived lack of discipline and consistency on the pitch. Some fans have accused him of being too rash and prone to making costly mistakes, which has led to calls for him to be dropped from the team.
Response to Criticism
Xhaka has responded to criticism by acknowledging his mistakes and expressing his commitment to improving his game. He has also emphasized the importance of mental health and has spoken openly about his struggles with anxiety and depression. Despite the criticism, Xhaka remains a key player for Arsenal and has the support of manager Mikel Arteta.
Future Prospects
Granit Xhaka’s future at both club and international level remains uncertain, with his current form, age, and potential transfer rumors or contract negotiations all factors that could influence his next move.
Club Level
Xhaka has been a key player for Arsenal since joining the club in 2016, but his form has been inconsistent at times, and he has been criticized for his lack of discipline on the pitch. However, he remains a valuable asset to the team, and his experience and leadership qualities could be crucial for Arsenal’s success in the future.
International Level
Xhaka is also a key player for Switzerland, and he has captained the team on several occasions. He is a passionate and committed player, and he will be hoping to lead his country to success at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Last Point
As Granit Xhaka continues to weave his magic on the field, his legacy as a true footballing icon is being cemented. His unwavering spirit, coupled with his exceptional talent, promises to captivate audiences for years to come.
