Xhaka : Switzerland's Rolls-Rolex
Like a Swiss watch, Granit Xhaka continued to tick the ball around the National Arena in Bucharest, when Switzerland shocked France on the most magical Monday's of football.
He completed 81 passes in the 120 minutes, the most out of anyone on the pitch. The passes were progressive and full of purpose, driving the Swiss up the pitch. Xhaka completed 9 progressive passes, 2 more than any other player on the night. Not only were these passes progressive, but they were penetrating the French defence. In total, the Swiss captain made 17 passes into the final third. Clearly, Xhaka was not just controlling the tempo of the football for Switzerland, he was making incisive and penetrative passes, deep inside the French half. This is highlighted by his 6 shot creating actions, only the equally mesmerising Pogba, and Griezmann managed more.
The range of Xhaka's passing abilities was showcased within the last 4 minutes of the game. Paul Pogba's loose touch in the middle of midfield, allowed Fassnacht to nip the ball from him. The ball broke to Xhaka, and with time to pick his head up and progress with the ball, he sliced a beautiful pass that cut the French team in two. The ball zipped into Gavranovic's feet, who went on to twist past Kimpembe and level the game for Switzerland.
Just seconds later, Xhaka deep inside his own half, pinged the ball over Kimpembe's head, perfectly into Mehmedi's path. Unfortunately for Xhaka, his team-mate's poor first touch denied the goal scoring chance.
With that Switzerland may have felt that their best chance to win the match had faded. But throughout extra-time, the now tiring Xhaka continued to maintain possession for Switzerland, crucially allowing his teammates to regain their breath.
A criticism that is often levelled at Xhaka, is that he is too aggressive in the challenge, and is a player that can become riled up by the occasion. Whilst that train of thought is not completely accurate, Xhaka displayed his ability to suppress French attacks, accumulating 3 interceptions and 3 tackles. However, his yellow card will result in him missing Switzerland's quarter-final clash with Spain.
That did not affect Xhaka's determination to ensure his country would reach the next round. Prior to the penalty shootout, it was the Swiss captain who rallied the troops and gave what looked like an awe-inspiring speech to his compatriots. Such characteristics make it puzzling how he has not cemented his position as Arsenal's captain.
Yann Sommer was the hero of the shoot-out, saving Mbappe's penalty, but Xhaka was Switzerland's hero on the night, picking up the Man of the Match award. In the post-match interview he let his thoughts be known, 'It is f***ing amazing man.'
His performance and character throughout the match, makes Xhaka's impending transfer to Roma all the more dispiriting for Arsenal fans. Unlike a well-crafted Swiss watch, Xhaka's move to Italy will be relatively cheap for Roma. The rumoured £20 million fee is some way lower than his true valuation, considering the quality of the player, who is now entering the prime of his career. Alas, Arsenal's loss is Mourinho's gain.