Arsenal ‘massively miss’ Granit Xhaka as Xabi Alonso influence shows in Switzerland win
Granit Xhaka has reached another level since leaving Arsenal and signing for Bayer Leverkusen.
That's the view of former Chelsea star Scott Minto who watched the former Gunners midfielder's player of the match performance in Switzerland's 3-1 win over Hungary in their Euro 2024 opener.
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The Swiss comfortably dominated the first half, going 2-0 up through Kwadow Duah - whose goal was awarded thanks to semi-automatic offside - and Michel Aebischer before half-time.
And despite not bagging any goal contributions, Xhaka was largely the reason for their grip on the game.
"I have to say, he looks a different player since he's been working with Xabi Alonso," marvelbet369.commentator Adam Bridge said to Minto.
And the former Chelsea left-back agreed that he had gone up another gear since he left the Emirates last summer to sign for Bayer Leverkusen and win the Bundesliga.
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"I think his last season at Arsenal he was sensational," he said. "Who would have thought just a few seasons ago that Arsenal would massively miss Granit Xhaka.
"I think in that sort of left-side no. 8, perhaps they did a little bit, which is why Declan Rice was able to play a little bit further forward.
"But under Xabi Alonso as you say, I think he's absolutely dominating this role."
Xhaka's last campaign in north London saw him net nine goals and bag seven assists in 47 appearances.
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His numbers dropped this season to four goals and two assists in 50 games - but he was key in Leverkusen's unbeaten season in the Bundesliga.
Minto continued: "I thought in his last season at Arsenal he was superb, but playing for Leverkusen and playing more in that sort of holding [position], controlling it, if he needs to win the ball back he can.
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"He's doing the simple things well. He puts himself in really good positions where he always looks like he's got time, that's what the top players do.
"If he hasn't got time he'll play one touch, if he has he will look up. He normally tries to play the closest pass to him, but a couple of times he will look up and play the ball in behind.
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"He's become such an intelligent player he really has.
"There's no doubt about it, he was superb towards the end of his Arsenal career, but he's gone up another level and beyond playing for Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso."
Hungary halved the deficit through with Barnabas Varga making it 2-1 in the second half.
Xhaka and Hungary's performance levels dipped in the second 45 minutes, but that didn't take away from the midfielder's special first half performance.
He was everywhere in Cologne, making 99 touches and completing 79 passes.
Switzerland made it 3-1 in the third minute of added time in the second half through substitute Breel Embolo to cement their opening game victory.
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