Swiss media hail solid Granit Xhaka display after being booed in World Cup qualifier
Granit Xhaka helped confirm Switzerland’s place in the World Cup on Tuesday after a 1-1 draw against Kosovo.
The midfielder is one of numerous Sunderland players who have been away on international duty this month, with the World Cup qualifiers coming to an end.
While Xhaka has been linked away from Sunderland in recent days, these rumours have not distracted him from getting his nation to the World Cup.
The Swiss needed a draw against Kosovo to automatically qualify for the tournament, with their opponents needing a win.
However, despite a spirited comeback from the hosts, Switzerland managed to hang on for a draw, with Xhaka being praised for his display.
Xhaka impresses despite hostile Kosovo crowd
Xhaka was part of the Switzerland side that beat Sweden 4-1 last week, and he continued his form on Tuesday.
In a difficult game, the midfielder was not warmly received by the Kosovo crowd, possibly due to his comments on Swiss-Kosovar dual nationals.
- Xhaka has been a regular fro Switzerland for years
- The midfielder currently has 142 caps to his name
- Xhaka will now be hoping to maintain his place in the starting XI for the upcoming World Cup
Nevertheless, the Sunderland man started and played 76 minutes of the World Cup qualifier as Switzerland picked up the result they needed.
Assessing his performance on Blue News on 19 November, the Swiss outlet gave Xhaka a 5/6, before writing: “Booed by the crowd for his comments about Swiss-Kosovar dual nationals Albian Hajdari and Leon Avdullahu, Granit Xhaka managed to keep his composure throughout the match.
“Less flamboyant than against Sweden on Saturday, the former Arsenal player delivered a solid performance in a context that was hardly favourable to him.”
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What were Xhaka’s stats vs Kosovo?
According to Fotmob on 19 November, Xhaka had a solid game against Kosovo.
The midfielder completed 90% of his passes, while also putting in a shift defensively.
| Granit Xhaka’s stats vs Kosovo | |
| Minutes | 76 |
| Passing accuracy | 90% |
| Touches | 59 |
| Tackles | 1 |
| Clearances | 1 |
| Recoveries | 4 |
Regis Le Bris will no doubt be pleased that Xhaka’s form has continued away from the Stadium of Light ahead of a busy festive period.
Now, the task for both the Black Cats and Xhaka is to ensure these displays continue for the foreseeable future.
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