Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka hailed as Switzerland’s greatest before World Cup | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka has been hailed as the greatest player in Switzerland’s history as the Sunderland midfielder completes his World Cup build-up.

The summer arrival quickly imposed leadership and nous in a newly promoted side, helping Régis Le Bris’s team secure only the second European qualification in the club’s history. He is set to captain Switzerland against Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina and co-hosts Canada in the group stage.

“I’ve often said that, for me, Breel Embolo is the most important player in this national team. Of course, no one can get past Granit. Granit is probably the greatest player of all time for us. For those who’ve played alongside him, it’s almost an honour. For those who watched him play, it was something sensational.”

He was speaking to Swiss outlet Blick.

“But for me, Breel Embolo is so important, because at that moment, and I remember very well the match against Scotland in the Euros, the moment the opposition takes Granit out of the game, we have few options. And what is the solution? A long ball to Breel. And 99 per cent of the time, the ball is definitely there. And that’s why with Breel, we have a very important player who allows us to play differently.”

Source: Sunderland Echo