by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Swiss playmaker Granit Xhaka seems to take pleasure in exploring new shores as a footballer, after winning the Bundesliga and German Cup with his club Bayer Leverkusen this season.
Facing England in the Euro 2024 quarterfinal this Saturday in Dusseldorf comes along with the opportunity to achieve Switzerland's first ever semifinal appearance at a major tournament.
Like for Leverkusen, Xhaka is irreplaceable for his country. Switzerland's record international (129 games) seems to go all in and push things for the better by relying on enormous efforts.
Due to adductor problems, painkillers have become a regular dish for the midfielder, along with increased training efforts.
German media have dubbed him the Swiss Toni Kroos, as he performs a similar role as the former Real Madrid star does in the Germany team, in the form of a link between the defence and the midfield line.
Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin changed his team's tactical approach and copied the 3-4-2-1 system that Leverkusen use, with Xhaka in the center, and the Swiss midfielder has spoken of several inspiring meetings with Yakin discussing tactics.
Eliminating Italy in the last 16 has triggered a wave of euphoria back home, while the team claims to take the achievement as a motivation booster.
"We feel our journey isn't over yet," Xhaka said ahead of the England match. "We don't have to hide when playing like we did against Italy."
Switzerland being around among the continent's best seems to have become "a normal thing." Three years ago, the team was stopped in the quarterfinal on penalties by Spain after having eliminated France.
Until now, that game was said to be Xhaka's best in the Switzerland shirt. Having adopted skills conveyed by Leverkusen coach and Spain midfield icon Xabi Alonso, Xhaka has gained quality.
The midfielder's move from Arsenal last summer is said to be the most important improvement for Leverkusen's squad, with Switzerland now benefitting from the development.
As it seems, the midfielder has transferred his Leverkusen magic to his national team. Things, unimaginable for years, have become reality. At Euro 2024, Switzerland has turned into a threat for every opponent, including England. ■
