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Granit Xhaka vs. France Has Been Described As One Of The Best Individual Performances Ever

Granit Xhaka vs. France Has Been Described As One Of The Best Individual Performances Ever

He went up against Pogba and Kante in the middle of the park...and came out on top.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka produced a quite stunning Man of the Match performance against world champions France to help his side reach the quarter-final stage of a major tournament for the first time in 67 years.

The Arsenal man, known perhaps for being more defensive than offensive, was sensational from start to finish. He not only completed the most forward passes in the game but he also delivered the most successful long passes and through balls.

He also played a major part in Switzerland's equaliser, pinging a wonderful through ball to Mario Gavranovic in the 89th minute to give the Dinamo Zagreb forward a chance to make history. And he did just that. Just check out that moment again.

Xhaka continued to dominate in midfield areas, despite coming up against two of the world's best midfielders in Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante, and rallied his team to an unforgettable penalty shoot-out win at the National Arena in Bucharest.

Many fans are praising his performance as one of the all-time best in European Championship history and it's hard to argue with that statement. You can check out the 28-year-old's outstanding individual highlights below. Take a bow, Granit Xhaka.

After the final whistle, Xhaka, who has been heavily linked with a transfer to AS Roma this summer, gave a brilliant post-match interview after being handed the Man of the Match award. "Sorry to take this word but, it's f***ing amazing man!"

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who brought Xhaka to North London from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2016 for a reported £30 million, was also impressed by the Swiss midfielder's dominant performance against Didier Deschamps' side.

He pointed out how Xhaka reacted towards his teammates before the penalty shoot-out began. "He was exceptional, all his choices were good," the Frenchman told bEIN Sports. "He was the one who rallied the troops before the penalties."

Wenger wasn't the only man to praise his performance.


Thoughts on Xhaka's memorable display against France on Monday night?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: ITV

Topics: Granit Xhaka, Arsenal, France, Switzerland