Graeme Souness has ‘no idea’ why Granit Xhaka has played so well for Switzerland compared to his club form for Arsenal saying the midfielder has ‘never done it’ for the Gunners
- Granit Xhaka has impressed many with his performances for Switzerland
- The midfielder played a key role to help Switzerland beat France in the last-16
- Graeme Souness has criticised Xhaka for the midfielder’s form at Arsenal
- Xhaka is absent from the team for their quarter final clash against Spain
- Roy Keane said that Switzerland will miss Xhaka in the important knockout clash
- Find out the latest Euro 2020 news including fixtures, live action and results here
Graeme Souness has stated that he has never rated Granit Xhaka at Arsenal and has ‘no idea’ how he has performed so well for Switzerland in comparison.
Xhaka was arguably the standout player as Switzerland stunned Euro 2020 favourites France on Monday to progress to the quarter-finals on penalties.
His form has come as a surprise to some, with Xhaka facing a lot of criticism so far during his five-year spell at Arsenal.
Granit Xhaka has been in great form for Switzerland during the European Championships
In comparison, Xhaka has faced a lot of criticism during his five seasons at Arsenal
This was something picked out by Souness before the game, as ITV pundits discussed how much Switzerland would miss the suspended Xhaka for the game against Spain.
When asked why Xhaka’s form for Arsenal is so different than for Switzerland, Souness responded: ‘Don’t ask me.
‘This guy got booked 42 times in five seasons for Arsenal. At his age, you’d think he would learn not to get himself in trouble.
‘It was the same coming from German football he got booked there all the time. I’ve never fancied him when I’ve watched him at Arsenal he never did it for me his decision making.
Yeah he was good enough on the ball but he neglected the basics at times for me.’
Souness also joked about Xhaka’s new look after he dyed his hair blonde for the tournament.
The ITV pundit said: ‘Listen, if you’ve got a barnet like that you need to play well.’
The Arsenal midfielder picked up a yellow card in the game against France, resulting in his suspension for the match against Spain.
Xhaka was replaced for the game against Spain by Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria.
Graeme Souness hit out at Xhaka’s time at Arsenal before Switzerland faced Spain
The 24-year-old had an unfortunate start to the game as he put the ball on the back of his own net after deflecting in Jordi Alba’s long range strike.
Souness’ fellow ITV pundit Roy Keane said before the game that Xhaka would be missed.
Keane said: He’s been poor at club level at Arsenal over the last number of seasons but on international level he’s been excellent and he is a big loss to them.
‘But even his leadership role the other night was outstanding, defensively, making tackles, his decision making, passing. He’s been excellent.’
Xhaka has been linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer, with Jose Mourinho’s Roma interested in making a move.
