Granit Xhaka: Can the Swiss star’s near-perfect season inspire his team?

Xhaka’s impressive season with Leverkusen, where he played a pivotal role in Xabi Alonso’s title-winning midfield, raised eyebrows at home.

Local journalists described it as the “best season of his career” and were optimistic that he could translate his club form to the international stage.

Swiss journalist Laurent Ducret, who writes for Keystone-SDA, told BBC Sport that this was Xhaka’s “last chance to succeed with Switzerland” at Euro 2024.

“He was very good during the preparation matches before the Euro but he did not show his best level with Switzerland, always playing better for his club,” added Ducret.

This is a view widely shared among supporters.

Asked about Xhaka’s performance for Switzerland so far, Aural, a Geneva fan who was in Frankfurt for the group stage, replied: “It’s impossible, no chance. Not yet.”

But journalists and fans still see hope in Xhaka, with Aural saying they would “make a statue of him” if he took Switzerland to the final in Germany.

He has certainly shown plenty of courage so far, dominating in midfield and showing his leadership as Switzerland cruised through their group with ease.

“I thought Xhaka was really good all night,” Leicester defender Conor Coady told BBC Two after Switzerland’s draw with Germany.

“He was brilliant in the way he handled the midfield. With the season he’s had, he’s going into the tournament with great confidence anyway.

“Having him in front of the five-man defence, flanking players, running across the pitch and heading towards the box… I thought he was just brilliant.”

Aside from a disappointing performance against Scotland, Xhaka was one of the standout players of the tournament.

He will be tested again in the next game against Italy and while Xhaka appreciates the recognition for his individual form, he is excited by his team’s progress.

“I’m not a big fan of numbers or individual trophies (like man of the match), let’s say that,” Xhaka said.

“Of course it makes me happy, I won’t lie about that, but what makes me happier is the team, the way they work for each other and the level we play at.

“Six months ago we were not where we are today. The intensity of our training is much higher than before. The quality is much better.

“No one knows until the morning of the game who’s starting. That’s what makes us stronger. I’m happy to be part of this team.”

Xhaka’s career has been marred by criticism and controversy, most notably during his time at Arsenal, where his temperament was questioned and he was stripped of the captaincy after being booed by home fans during a draw against Crystal Palace.

A similar trend followed for his country, with consistent eliminations at the last 16 stages of major tournaments – including a penalty shootout defeat to Poland in 2016, when Xhaka was the only player to miss his spot-kick.

Speculation grew in 2018 that Xhaka could switch allegiances to represent Kosovo and the decision to award him the Swiss armband was questioned by former players, including ex-Liverpool defender Stéphane Henchoz.

But in recent years, Xhaka has turned a corner, putting in consistent performances for Switzerland and proving himself a mainstay in their midfield.

He benefits from the support of his teammates and we have more and more the impression that he is finally giving the best of himself for Switzerland.

Now, here in Germany where he is coming off the best season of his career, could Xhaka be the one to inspire Switzerland to glory?

“I hope so, yes. He had a very good season with Leverkusen and I’m happy he finally won a title in Germany,” striker Xherdan Shaqiri told BBC Sport.

“He came here with more confidence – he already has a lot of confidence – but he came with even more. I’m happy for him.

“He pushes the players and I hope he can move forward. The national team may be putting more pressure on him now and he has to deal with that. »

“But I am very happy that he won this title with Leverkusen and I hope he can continue like this. »