Arsenal Players

General Information

Granit Xhaka (born 27 September 1992) is a Swiss professional footballer who built his reputation as one of the most combative, passionate, and divisive midfielders of his generation. Renowned for his aggressive tackling, long-range passing, and fiery temperament, Xhaka became a central figure during one of Arsenal’s most transitional periods. His career at the Emirates, spanning from 2016 to 2023, was marked by highs and lows: moments of controversy, fierce criticism, but also undeniable leadership, loyalty, and redemption.

Early Life and Youth Career
Xhaka was born in Basel, Switzerland, to Kosovar Albanian parents. Football ran in the family—his older brother, Taulant, also became a professional player, representing Albania internationally. From a young age, Granit’s determination and competitive streak were evident. His upbringing, rooted in resilience and discipline, shaped the mentality that would later define his professional career.

Xhaka joined the youth academy at FC Basel, one of Switzerland’s most successful clubs. Coaches quickly recognized his intelligence, stamina, and leadership qualities. He was not just another talented youngster; his presence on the pitch, even at youth levels, carried weight. Xhaka progressed rapidly through the ranks, making his senior debut in 2010 at just 17 years old.

FC Basel and Borussia Mönchengladbach
At Basel, Xhaka helped the club dominate Swiss football, winning back-to-back league titles. His physicality, confidence on the ball, and distribution skills attracted attention from Europe’s top leagues. In 2012, he signed for Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he truly established himself on the continental stage.

In Germany, Xhaka’s aggressive style of play earned him both admirers and critics. He became known for tough challenges, tactical fouls, and occasional red cards. Yet alongside this, his leadership began to shine. By his early twenties, he was captaining Gladbach, orchestrating play from deep midfield, and gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s most commanding young midfield generals.

Move to Arsenal (2016)
In 2016, Arsenal signed Xhaka for around £30 million, a significant investment reflecting Arsène Wenger’s belief in his qualities. Wenger saw Xhaka as a modern holding midfielder—capable of dictating tempo with his passing, shielding the defense, and providing leadership in a squad that often lacked physical edge.

Xhaka’s early years at Arsenal were inconsistent. While his long-range passing and set-piece deliveries impressed, lapses in discipline and reckless tackles drew criticism. Fans and pundits alike debated his suitability for the Premier League. Still, he remained a regular starter, with successive managers valuing his tactical discipline and reliability.

Controversy and Redemption
The most infamous chapter of Xhaka’s Arsenal career came in October 2019. During a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, he was substituted off after a poor performance and responded to boos from Arsenal fans with visible anger, cupping his ears and removing his shirt before storming down the tunnel. The incident cost him the captaincy, stripping him of an honor he had been given only weeks earlier.

Many expected him to leave the club shortly afterwards. Yet, under new manager Mikel Arteta, Xhaka staged a remarkable turnaround. Arteta valued his character, leadership, and experience, persuading him to stay. From that point, Xhaka’s relationship with the fans slowly healed. He became a symbol of resilience, refusing to let the lowest point of his career define him. His discipline improved, and his performances became more consistent, anchoring the midfield with authority.

Role Under Arteta and Tactical Evolution
Xhaka thrived under Arteta’s guidance. Traditionally used as a deep-lying midfielder, he adapted to a more advanced role in 2022–23, pushing forward into left-sided attacking positions. This allowed him to contribute more goals and assists, showcasing his underrated technical ability. That season proved one of his finest in an Arsenal shirt, as the club mounted a serious title challenge and returned to the Champions League.

His leadership qualities, once doubted, became undeniable. Younger players such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Ødegaard looked to him as a senior figure, while fans who had once jeered him now applauded his resilience and determination.

International Career
Xhaka has been equally influential for Switzerland. Making his debut in 2011, he became a regular fixture and later captain of the national team. He has represented Switzerland at multiple European Championships and World Cups, earning over 100 caps. His performances on the international stage often reflected his club persona: combative, passionate, and determined to lead by example. Notably, he captained Switzerland during Euro 2020, where they famously knocked out France in the round of 16 after a thrilling penalty shootout.

Move to Bayer Leverkusen (2023)
In summer 2023, Xhaka departed Arsenal to join Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. The move, while emotional for both player and fans, represented a fresh chapter. In Germany, he reunited with the Bundesliga, where his career had blossomed a decade earlier. Leverkusen saw him as a leader who could guide a young, ambitious squad. His immediate impact was felt, with his presence in midfield stabilizing the team and contributing to an unbeaten domestic campaign.

Playing Style
Xhaka’s style blends toughness with technical ability. He is not the quickest midfielder, but his positional intelligence, range of passing, and ability to control tempo are invaluable. His left foot is a weapon, whether delivering long diagonals, shooting from distance, or supplying set pieces. While discipline has been an issue, his maturity in later years allowed him to channel his aggression more productively.

Legacy at Arsenal
Xhaka’s Arsenal career will always be remembered as one of complexity—controversial at times, yet ultimately a story of redemption. Few players have experienced such a dramatic shift in fan perception. From jeers and calls for him to leave, to being applauded off the pitch in his final game at the Emirates, Xhaka left Arsenal with respect firmly restored.

For Arsenal supporters, he epitomized resilience: a player who endured criticism, mistakes, and difficult moments, but who never hid from responsibility. His seven years at the club coincided with a period of transition, and though he did not win the Premier League, his leadership and professionalism left a lasting impact.