Granit Xhaka
SunderlandCM
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Sep 27, 1992 (33)
Left
6'1"
176 lb
Three shots, no goal
Xhaka had three shots (one on goal) and three crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 3-1 loss to Argentina.
Analysis: Xhaka poured his heart onto the field as he tried to get Switzerland into the semifinals, as the midfielder played the full 90 while recording three shots and three crosses. The veteran didn't leave the field once in this tournament as he remains the backbone of the team, potentially having played his final World Cup. He would record one goal on nine shots to go along with three chances created, five tackles and five crosses during the campaign, easily a Swiss legend if this is his final World Cup.
Wins five duels versus Colombia
Xhaka registered one shot (zero on goal) in Tuesday's 0-0 (4-3) penalty shootout victory against Colombia. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 51st minute.
Analysis: Xhaka recorded the full 120 minutes, ranking third on the team with 84 accurate passes and four clearances from his usual midfield role. Additionally, the Sunderland man won half of his individual duels and converted his shootout penalty to help his side progress to the quarter-finals stage. He has performed consistently at a high level, with his all-around impact being a key reason for Switzerland's success, and he'll hope to remain influential in a tough clash against Argentina.
Controls midfield in shutout
Xhaka had two tackles (two won) and two interceptions in Thursday's 2-0 victory against Algeria.
Analysis: Xhaka registered two tackles (two won) and two interceptions across his 90 minutes in Thursday's 2-0 win over Algeria, steering Switzerland's defensive shape with authority from deep midfield as the team shifted into a five-man midfield block out of possession to stifle Algeria's attempts to find Riyad Mahrez in dangerous areas. The Sunderland captain completed 61 passes and won ten duels, with his leadership and positional discipline ensuring Switzerland never allowed Algeria any sustained attacking momentum after falling behind. His ability to control the game's tempo and organize the defensive block make him the most important individual in the Swiss squad heading into the round of 16 against Colombia or Ghana.
Small numbers in Canada meeting
Xhaka registered one shot (zero on goal), one tackle (zero won) and two clearances and was booked in Wednesday's 2-1 win versus Canada.
Analysis: Xhaka handled the ball with the usual expertise in the midfield but didn't stand out on either end, as Switzerland cruised to a relatively easy win and only had to defend late in the match. He has taken at least one shot in all three fixtures, amassing five attempts (one on target), burying one PK and recording also three key passes, two crosses (zero accurate) and three tackles (one won).
Scores penalty in victory
Xhaka scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Thursday's 4-1 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Analysis: Xhaka converted a VAR-awarded penalty in the seventh minute of stoppage time to make it 4-1, stepping up after Ermin Mahmic was fouled inside the box just moments after coming off the bench, capping a dominant performance that vaulted Switzerland to the top of Group B. He orchestrated play from deep for most of the match, helping the Swiss control possession, contributing two shots, one chance created, two tackles (one won) and one interception. Xhaka's penalty was his first goal of this World Cup and Switzerland will look to build on this commanding victory in their final group fixture against Canada on June 24.
Sets tempo in opener
Xhaka generated two shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Qatar.
Analysis: Xhaka captained Switzerland with authority in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Qatar at Levi's Stadium, setting the tempo from deep midfield and registering two shots and one interception as his side dominated possession and territory throughout the 90 minutes before Boualem Khoukhi's stoppage-time header denied all three points. The Sunderland midfielder orchestrated play in the second half as Switzerland pushed relentlessly for the second goal that would have put the match beyond doubt, combining defensive discipline with progressive ball-carrying in a performance that underlined why he remains Switzerland's most important player at 33. His side generated 26 total attempts and controlled the match from start to finish, making the stoppage-time equalizer all the more devastating for a captain who gave everything over 90 minutes in what should have been a winning World Cup opener.
Swiss midfield engine
Xhaka has been named in Switzerland's World Cup squad as the undisputed leader and creative engine of the national team, arriving at the tournament off the back of a strong debut Premier League season with Sunderland.
Analysis: Xhaka contributed one goal and six assists alongside 34 key passes and 50 tackles across 34 Premier League appearances this season, cementing his status as one of the more complete midfielders in the English top flight in his first campaign at the club. His set-piece responsibilities at Sunderland further underline his importance as a dead-ball specialist at club level, though with Switzerland it is Ruben Vargas who handles set-piece duties for the national team, with Xhaka potentially taking on penalty responsibilities during the tournament. Xhaka is the heartbeat of the Swiss midfield, bringing the experience, leadership and technical quality that sets the tone for everything the team does on and off the ball. His ability to dictate tempo, win duels and deliver in high-pressure moments makes him one of the most reliable players in manager Murat Yakin's setup, and the Swiss will lean heavily on his influence as they look to navigate what promises to be a competitive group stage. At 33, Xhaka arrives at what could be his final World Cup with the maturity and authority of a player who has performed consistently at the highest level for over a decade, and Switzerland's chances of making a deep run in the tournament are directly tied to how well he performs when the stakes are at their highest.
Earns assist
Xhaka assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 56th minute.
Analysis: Xhaka earned his first goal contribution in some time Saturday, as the midfielder found Nordi Mukiele for the opening goal in the 17th minute. This marks his first goal or assist since the new year, with his last coming Dec. 28. He is now up to six assists on the season in 31 appearances, also adding a goal.
Four crosses Sunday
Xhaka recorded two shots (zero on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Xhaka had a productive match Sunday, including his third straight match with at least four crosses. He also kept a clean sheet, his eighth of the season, contributing three tackles and two clearances in his full 90 minutes of action.
Six crosses in home loss
Xhaka generated one shot (zero on goal), six crosses (zero accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 1-0 defeat versus Brighton. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 76th minute.
Analysis: Xhaka came back into the starting lineup, having been on the bench in the FA Cup and in the last Premier League match. He took four corners, his most in a Premier League game this season. He has been Sunderland's second highest set-piece taker this season and is only three behind Enzo Le Fee.
Listed to bench
Xhaxa (ankle) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Fulham.
Analysis: Xhaxa is back on the team sheet Sunday as expected, with the midfielder earning a spot on the bench for the contest. He will likely test his legs before starting again, typically a starter when fully fit, one of the better anchors in the Premier League.
Set for return
Xhaka (ankle) has trained this week and is an option for Sunday's match against Fulham, according to manager Regis Le Bris. "Granit has more or less fully trained this week, so he will be available on Sunday."
Analysis: Xhaxa has been out for the past four games but is back to boost the squad this week, with the midfielder able to train and now an option. This is a major addition as he should start almost immediately, starting in all 22 appearances this season. He serves in more of a defensive role for the club, but still has an exceptional playmaking ability due to his experience, notching one goal and five assists this season.
Two to three weeks away
Xhaka (ankle) is still two to three weeks away from making his return, coach Regis Le Bris told the media, according to the Sunderland Echo. "We don't know yet on Granit. Probably two or three weeks. We'll see according to his feeling and just wait a bit."
Analysis: Xhaka remains in the rehab phase after suffering an ankle injury after the game against Crystal Palace, an issue that has sidelined him for the last three Premier League matches. Sunderland's captain is still estimated to be two to three weeks away from a return, though that timeline could shift based on how he responds physically. He is a locked-in starter when healthy, therefore his absence has forced a midfield reshuffle, with Enzo Le Fee dropping into a deeper role to help stabilize the center of the pitch while he remains out.
Out another week
Xhaka (ankle) is out for this week's set of matches and remains in doubt for the Fulham game, according to manager Regis Le Bris, per Phil Smith of the Sunderland Echo. "We don't know yet on Granit. Probably two or three weeks. We'll see according to his feeling and just wait a bit."
Analysis: Xhaka is still going to need further time on his return from injury and is out for this week's matches, not an option to face Liverpool or Oxford United. This extends his streak to five games missed, as he will now also be doubtful for the game against Fulham on Feb. 22. He is one of the most critical players to the squad when fit, so his return is a crucial focus for the club.
Still working on return
Xhaka (ankle) is progressing well in his recovery as he works toward a full return at his best level, said coach Regis Le Bris in the press conference. "There is no major update at the minute but his presence around the team is still really strong. We look forward to having the best version of him back..."
Analysis: Xhaka is progressing well in his recovery and is targeting a return in a few weeks against Fulham. The midfielder is an undisputed starter, having started all 23 matches prior to his injury while scoring one goal and providing five assists during that span, and his absence remains a significant blow for his side.
Needs another three weeks
Xhaka (ankle) is set for assessment in the next week and is likely to miss around three more weeks, according to manager Regis Le Bris."Granit is doing well. We will assess him in the next week, but it will probably be three more weeks."
Analysis: Xhaka is going to see more testing on his injury this week, but is not yet set for a return, with the midfielder expected to miss another three weeks. This sets him up with a return as they near the end of February, a rough loss as they continue without their engine in the midfield. He will likely eye a return to the field when facing Fulham on Feb. 22, although that is yet to be confirmed.
Needs a week for assessment
Xhaka (ankle) is set for another week out before assessing his injury again, according to manager Regis Le Bris, per Phil Smith of the Sunderland Echo.
Analysis: Xhaka went down in the club's last match with an ankle injury and was forced to miss out against West Ham on Saturday. However, he is now heading for another match out, as the club will give him a week before a further assessment, missing against Burnley but potentially returning in the next few games after. This is a major blow to the club's midfield, leaving Eliezer Mayenda to enter the starting XI while Enzo Le Fee takes a less attacking role.
Suffers ankle injury
Xhaka suffered an ankle injury during the victory against Crystal Palace and is set to miss some time to undergo a period of rehabilitation at the Academy of Light, the club announced.
Analysis: Xhaka suffered an ankle injury during the win against Crystal Palace last Saturday and couldn't recover in time for the game against West Ham United. The midfielder will now undergo a period of rehabilitation at the Academy of Light, and no timeline has been given regarding his return. Against the Hammers, Enzo Le Fee will play deeper in the middle of the pitch, adding an additional attacking spot in the frontline, with Romain Mundle starting a third consecutive game for the Black Cats.
Whips in four crosses
Xhaka registered four crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Thursday's 0-0 draw versus Manchester City.
Analysis: Xhaka would get back over the three cross mark Thursday after two straight games with only one cross, recording four against City. He now has 10 appearances with three or more crosses, just over half of his appearances. He remains at six goal contributions this season, five coming as assists.
Assists in 1-1 draw
Xhaka assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Xhaka provided his fifth assist of the season on his return to the Premier League with Sunderland this season. He created three chances, which was his most in the last eight games. In the other seven games in this run, he created just four chances. With one corner taken, he is Sunderland's top set-piece taker, but Enzo Le Fee is gaining ground.
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