When Granit Xhaka signed for Arsenal in 2016, he looked like he had been moulded precisely to fit the role of a deep-lying playmaker. The single midfield pivot with the stylish left foot, he could have been lab-grown, it looked so natural for him.
But not many imagined he could, or would, change genres so extensively throughout his career. The last two years have proven that theory incorrect.
Despite a revival at Arsenal, Xhaka was allowed to move to Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a deal that could rise to €25million (£21.2m; $27m), where he became metronomic, with possession flowing through him.
Switzerland, expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 system, will look to him to progress the ball. The last time he did not start an international game was November 2021 and, given that time has packed in evolution and adaptation, he arrives at the tournament as the most well-rounded version of himself we have seen.
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The Radar – The Athletic’s Euro 2024 scouting guide