IN GERMANY: Switzerland’s dominant victory over a lacklustre Italian outfit came as a surprise to many with Murat Yakin’s team outclassing Italy in their round of 16 clash.
Leading the Swiss assault was inspirational captain Granit Xhaka whose amazing year continued, as he controlled the central midfield alongside Remo Freuler.
Xhaka’s wonderous left foot switched play effortlessly during a virtuous display as he left the Italians scrambling to control a rampant Swiss attack.
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Player of the match Ruben Vargas reiterated post-match the importance of Xhaka to the Swiss team and that he encouraged the 25-year-old to grab the second half.
“A little bit before the second half started, Granit said to me ‘please score a goal’. A few seconds later I found the ball at my feet and I did what Granit said and shot,” said Vargas.
Xhaka’s record 129 caps for his nation highlights an individual who has been at the very heartbeat of a Swiss team which has encapsulated the battled hardened energy of their captain.
Xhaka, whose own career has been punctuated with self-doubt and criticism at club level especially at his time in England with Arsenal, has been able to overcome these doubters in a year which has seen him help Bayer Leverkusen win the German title and cup double undefeated.
Granit Xhaka (right) celebrates victory over Italy. UEFA via Getty Images
Xhaka’s maturity has shone through both at club and international level with the 31-year- old happy to carry the burden of expectation. His ability to lead both with his words and actions makes him a natural leader and one that is highly valued by both his managers and teammates.
“I have the feeling that we are not finished yet,” Xhaka told press after Switzerland’s success over Italy.
Switzerland’s run to the quarter finals has many experts believing that they are a genuine dark horse at this year’s Euro’s, with former England captain Alan Shearer quick to praise the Swiss performance over Italy on the BBC.
“They were absolutely fantastic. They looked really fit and scored two fantastic goals, and they deserve their quarter-final spot,” said Shearer.
The Swiss though are determined not to be distracted by the outside noise and are firmly focused on themselves.
Granit Xhaka controls the ball. DeFodi Images via Getty Images
“We are focused on ourselves, we don’t want to be distracted by our opponents,” Yakin emphasised after the Italy game.
Whatever lays ahead for this Swiss team at this year’s Euros, one thing is for sure, Xhaka has firmly etched himself into the hearts of all Swiss supporters.
For the thousands that have made the journey to support the team, they have in Xhaka a captain and leader whose own determination and drive have them believing.