Swiss media react to Granit Xhaka’s ‘invaluable’ display in World Cup qualifiers

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Granit Xhaka has been instrumental to Sunderland’s success this season as he carries his form onto the international stage.

Xhaka earned a Premier League POTM nomination for September after adding two assists to his tally to move one behind league leader Jack Grealish.

The 33-year-old has enjoyed a sensational return to English football and helped catapult the Black Cats seven points clear of the relegation zone heading into the international break.

Regis Le Bris has shocked the Premier League throughout his first campaign in the top tier, and his new midfield orchestrator has played a pivotal role.

That being said, Xhaka has now set his sights on securing qualification to the 2026 World Cup with his country.

Granit Xhaka dazzles for Switzerland vs Sweden

A lot of eyebrows were raised when Xhaka arrived at the Stadium of Light this summer, but the midfielder has quickly quashed any initial concerns regarding his signing.

Although Sweden were heading into the clash boasting significant firepower with Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak leading the line, Switzerland managed to keep both quiet on the night.

Xhaka opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Johan Mazambi secured the three points with his 94th-minute goal to leave Switzerland in a strong position to qualify top of Group B.

Swiss media outlet Bluewin awarded the Sunderland man a 5/6 match rating, writing: “The Swiss maestro didn’t have to overplay his talent, yet he touched an immeasurable number of balls. A true driving force in Yakin’s possession game, the Sunderland midfielder sometimes erred on the side of overconfidence, committing a few inaccuracies.

“But when it came down to it, the captain stepped up to the plate: converting the penalty and opening the scoring in a decisive match for qualification. With a powerful shot from the centre, Xhaka reminded everyone why he wears the armband. Switzerland can count on a captain, a real one.”

Le Matin awarded Xhaka an 8/10 rating, the highest in the Swiss squad: “The captain led the way, taking the penalty he never takes. And scoring it. His accuracy, his rhythm, and his calm were invaluable in this high-level encounter.”

Xhaka has been compared to Kevin De Bruyne in the Premier League this season, and he is rolling back the years after a hugely successful stint in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen.

Indeed, it appears he is determined to right the wrongs of his previous spell in English football with Arsenal, wherein he endured a fractured relationship with the supporters.

Le Bris will be all too pleased to see Xhaka continuing his top-level performances during the international break; he will be needed to maintain his consistency when club football resumes.

Granit Xhaka’s statistics against Sweden

Following Jobe Bellingham’s big-money departure to Borussia Dortmund, not many would have predicted the veteran Xhaka to easily replace his role at the Stadium of Light.

With fellow summer arrival Habib Diarra nursing a long-term groin injury, the midfield has been left in the safe hands of the Swiss international.

Xhaka completed more passes than any other player on Friday as he produced a truly dominant display worthy of the captain’s armband.

He is enjoying a resurgence in the twilight years of his career and looks better with each passing match. If Xhaka can maintain his form throughout the campaign, he will certainly be remembered as the bargain signing of the summer.