During the ongoing Euros 2024, Roy Keane praised the ex-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka for a ‘brilliant’ performance.
After losing out the 23/24 season to Man City by just 2 points, Arsenal will be looking to bounce back. Meanwhile, many players and even coaches have given their way to the club. Be it coming of Mikel Arteta and his strict measures seeing the departure of players like Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
One such exit was of Granit Xhaka. The man who once infamously threw away his Arsenal Jersey in anger against Crystal Palace. The move which seemed to all but put an end to his career at the Gunners. The Swiss baller however did survive the aftermath to somewhat turn his luck with the English side.
Roy Keane looked over his time with Arsenal stating it to be ‘inconsistent’. However, the now Bayer Leverkusen midfielder did impress Keane in a recent performance.
Best player on the pitch – Keane
Roy Keane was heavily impressed by Xhaka’s recent performance with his national team during the Euro 2024 match with Italy. The Swiss side successfully knocked out the Italian team in the round of 16 and the Man United legend believes Xhaka has a huge role in that:
“When I look at the important parts of the pitch, they have men,” said Keane. “
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.
“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.”
Xhaka among the best midfielders in Europe currently
We gotta appreciate the fact that Granit Xhaka has improved his game as a midfielder a lot. It is completely valid to say that the Swiss star has turned his career around.
It wasn’t long ago that the 31-year-old was criticized for his performances. Even finding time on the pitch had become challenging for Xhaka but now we can watch the change.
He is now undoubtedly among the best midfielders currently in Europe proving and showing his valor during the exceptional title run of Bayer Leverkusen in Bundesliga. Now, he is carrying the same form over with Switzerland in Euros.
Regardless, the ex-Arsenal star was replaced by Declan Rice claiming the spot in the English side. And now the two are set to meet each other in the Quater Finals of the Euros after England clinched a nail-biting win.
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