Hitzfeld writes about Xhaka: “His game intelligence is extraordinary”

I still remember June 3, 2011, the last training of the Swiss national team at Wembley before the European Championship qualifier against England. I asked Granit Xhaka that Friday afternoon if he was ready to play in this stadium the next day in front of over 80,000 spectators. The answer was short and sweet – and the program for Granit Xhaka’s subsequent career: “No problem, coach, that’s what I’m here for.”

This reaction and determination was all the more astonishing because Granit was part of FC Basel’s first team at the time, but not yet a regular player. So I took a significant risk by choosing a midfielder in the national team at that time who did not have much experience at the highest level of club football. But his talent, his class, his hunger for success and his will were not lost on me. I was sure: you can bet on this player.

An important reference point for me was his performances at the U17 World Cup in Nigeria almost two years earlier. He was a leader on coach Dany Ryser’s team, which surprisingly won the World Cup title to many. He led the team on the field, first in a difficult group with Brazil as opponents, and later through the knockout phase to the final against the home team. Conditions were not easy for the Europeans, but no complaints came from Switzerland. The team remained focused on their game and adopted Granit Xhaka’s absolute winning mentality.

He is someone who always wants to win, even in training. Granit always demands that he and his teammates do everything they can to be successful. He shows this at every training and in every match. He was and is the team leader of the Swiss team, the brains of the team, the absolute leader. As a coach I could only be grateful to have such a player in my team.

And I also noticed a corresponding gratitude from the other players. He is always playable for them. He not only provides first aid to his own team in difficult situations, but can also ensure that the opponent ends up in one situation with one pass. His behavior in the phase of the game where it is important to win the ball is exemplary. His passing quality is absolutely world class. His game intelligence is exceptional. He knows what his team needs most. And he makes sure she receives it. He really brings everything. There are very few midfielders who have his feeling for the game system.

It is no surprise to me that he has established himself in club football in the most demanding competitions in the world and that every Swiss national coach is completely dedicated to him. I’ve always known that Granit His hunger for success is unbroken. You sometimes feel that in interviews, but above all you always feel it on the field. Game by game. Anywhere, any time, no matter who. Therefore, for me, the outstanding quality of Granit Xhaka is the consistency with which he can deliver his performances at absolute world level.

By the way: the match against England ended 2-2. The press celebrated the discovery of a new top player for Switzerland. But he was not completely satisfied. Not with his performance, not with the result. And, not yet 19 years old, he had just laid the foundation for a great career in front of almost 90,000 people at Wembley in London… (aargauerzeitung.ch)