Former Manchester United captain was impressed by former Arsenal player Granit Xhaka after Switzerland knocked Italy out of Euro 2024.
The midfielder who currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen, is the captain of his national team and they have advanced to the quarterfinals. He was instrumental in keeping the Italians at bay and ensuring that the defending champions headed out.
Speaking after the game, Keane had this to say about Xhaka to itv:
“When I look at the important parts of the pitch, they have men, they have experienced men who know the game inside out. They have had top careers. Switzerland were outstanding and it’s going to be a really difficult game for England – Xhaka was brilliant, honestly. You talk about Toni Kroos, and these people, keep the team ticking over.”
The former United midfielder enforcer also commented on the Swiss captain’s time in north London which had its highs and lows. He added:
“But Xhaka was outstanding. The best player on the pitch by a mile (against Italy). We knew he was a good player. Just never knew what level he was going to get. Inconsistent at Arsenal and he had one or two problems with his discipline. But he has matured really well.”
Arsenal Fever View:
The way Xhaka has managed to turn his reputation and career around has been nothing short of inspirational. Back in 2019, after his row with the Gunners fans it looked like the player’s time at the Emirates was coming to and end.
All of that changed with the arrival of Mikel Arteta who convinced the now 31-year-old to stay in London. The midfielder would go on to become one of the team’s most important players and nearly helped the north Londoners win a Premier League title.
Now, the Swiss is back in the Bundesliga where he has already helped Leverkusen win a league and cup double. Under Xabi Alonso, the Switzerland captain has gone to be recognised as one of the best in his position in all of Europe, something that wasn’t always the case with the Gunners.
Xhaka might be someone who is missed at Arsenal, but the team has evolved to find different solutions. Arteta deserves a lot of credit for how he helped the midfielder turn his form and image around. That is being seen everyone at the biggest stage now.
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