Granit Xhaka has built a career on passion, leadership, and technical ability. From his early days in Switzerland to starring in the Bundesliga and Premier League, he has proven himself as a top midfielder. His journey has been full of ups and downs, but his resilience has made him a key player for both club and country.
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Early Life and Youth Career
Granit Xhaka was born on September 27, 1992, in Basel, Switzerland. His parents were originally from Kosovo, and his father had been a political prisoner before moving to Switzerland. This background shaped Xhaka’s strong mentality.
He started playing football at a young age, joining FC Basel’s academy. His talent was clear from the start. He had excellent passing skills, tactical intelligence, and a strong work ethic. Basel quickly realized they had a special player.
Breaking Through at FC Basel
Xhaka made his professional debut for Basel in 2010. Despite being just 18 years old, he played with confidence. He helped the team win two Swiss Super League titles in 2011 and 2012.
His performances in the league and European competitions caught the attention of bigger clubs. It wasn’t long before he got his first big move.
Moving to Borussia Mönchengladbach
In 2012, Xhaka joined Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga. The German league was a big step up, but he adapted quickly. He became a key player in midfield, dictating the tempo with his passing and composure.
At Gladbach, he developed into a true leader. By 2015, he was named club captain. His aggressive style, combined with his ability to control games, made him one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga.
He helped Gladbach qualify for the Champions League, proving he could compete at the highest level. By 2016, top European clubs were watching him closely.
The Arsenal Years: Highs and Lows
In 2016, Arsenal signed Xhaka for £35 million. Arsène Wenger saw him as the perfect deep-lying playmaker for his team. Xhaka’s time at Arsenal, however, was filled with both success and controversy.
Strong Start but Discipline Issues
Xhaka started well in England. His long-range passing and powerful shots made him a standout player. But his aggressive nature led to frequent bookings. He struggled with discipline, receiving multiple red cards in his first few seasons.
Despite this, he became a regular starter. His leadership qualities also stood out. By 2019, Arsenal fans had mixed opinions about him. Some loved his passion; others criticized his inconsistency.
The Captaincy Controversy
In 2019, Arsenal made Xhaka club captain. However, his relationship with the fans hit a breaking point. During a match against Crystal Palace, he was substituted and booed by his own supporters. In frustration, he reacted angrily, throwing his armband and walking straight down the tunnel.
This incident led to him losing the captaincy. Many thought he would leave the club, but he stayed and won back the fans’ respect through strong performances.
Redemption Under Mikel Arteta
When Mikel Arteta took over as manager in 2019, Xhaka’s role changed. Arteta trusted him as a leader on the pitch. Xhaka played a crucial role in Arsenal’s FA Cup victory in 2020, proving his value to the team.
Over the next few seasons, he became a more disciplined and balanced midfielder. His experience helped guide Arsenal’s young squad. By 2022, he was one of the team’s most consistent players.
The 2022-23 Season: Best Version of Xhaka
The 2022-23 season was Xhaka’s best at Arsenal. Arteta pushed him into a more attacking midfield role, and he thrived. He scored seven goals and provided seven assists in the Premier League, helping Arsenal finish second behind Manchester City.
His leadership, experience, and work rate were crucial. After years of criticism, he had finally won over all Arsenal fans.
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A New Challenge at Bayer Leverkusen
In the summer of 2023, Xhaka left Arsenal to join Bayer Leverkusen. The move surprised some, but it turned out to be a great decision. Leverkusen, under Xabi Alonso, was building an exciting team, and Xhaka became their leader.
Dominating the Bundesliga
Xhaka’s impact at Leverkusen was immediate. He brought stability to the midfield, allowing younger players to thrive. His passing range, tactical awareness, and leadership helped Leverkusen go unbeaten in the Bundesliga for much of the season.
By early 2024, they were challenging for the title. Xhaka’s presence was key in their rise to the top. His experience in big games helped Leverkusen compete against Germany’s best teams.
Switzerland’s Leader on the International Stage
Xhaka has been a key player for Switzerland since making his debut in 2011. He has played in multiple European Championships and World Cups. His leadership and experience have helped Switzerland become a competitive team in international tournaments.
At Euro 2020, Xhaka was instrumental in Switzerland’s historic win against France in the Round of 16. He dominated the midfield, led by example, and helped his team win on penalties. That performance cemented his status as a national hero.
By 2024, he had earned over 120 caps, making him one of Switzerland’s most-capped players. He remains their captain and a crucial figure in their midfield.
Playing Style and Strengths
Xhaka is not a flashy player, but he is highly effective. His style is based on intelligence, precision, and leadership.
Passing Ability
Xhaka is an excellent passer. He can switch play with long balls, break lines with quick passes, and dictate the tempo of a game. His ability to control possession makes him an important player for any team.
Tactical Awareness
One of his biggest strengths is his tactical intelligence. He understands the game well, positions himself correctly, and reads the opposition’s moves. This makes him a key figure in midfield battles.
Leadership and Mentality
Xhaka’s strong mentality sets him apart. He has faced criticism throughout his career but has always responded with strong performances. He leads by example and motivates his teammates.
Defensive Contribution
Although not the quickest player, Xhaka is strong defensively. He makes smart tackles, intercepts passes, and provides a shield in front of the defense. His physicality helps him win duels in midfield.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite his many qualities, Xhaka has faced challenges. His disciplinary record has been a weakness. Throughout his career, he has received many yellow and red cards.
His lack of pace is another issue. Against fast counter-attacking teams, he sometimes struggles. However, his positioning and awareness help him compensate for this weakness.
Future Ambitions
Xhaka, now in his 30s, is still performing at a high level. His goal is to help Bayer Leverkusen win major trophies. He also wants to lead Switzerland to success in the 2026 World Cup.
His leadership, experience, and quality make him a crucial player for both club and country. If he continues to perform at this level, he could play at the top for several more years.
Conclusion
Granit Xhaka’s journey is a story of resilience, passion, and hard work. From his early days in Basel to leading Leverkusen, he has always given everything for his teams.
His leadership, passing ability, and tactical intelligence make him one of the most reliable midfielders in Europe. Despite facing criticism, he has always found a way to prove his worth.
As he continues his career in Germany, fans can expect more top performances from the Swiss midfield general. Whether for club or country, Xhaka remains a player who can change games and inspire those around him.
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