Granit Xhaka |
Granit Xhaka: A Firm Leader in the Midfield
BolaLob - Granit Xhaka is one of the most influential midfielders in modern football. Born on September 27, 1992 in Basel, Switzerland, Xhaka is known for his direct playing style, leadership skills, and sharp vision of the game. His career at club and national team level has made him a key figure in the midfield, especially with his role as a tough and tactical captain.
Early Career
Xhaka began his professional career at Swiss club FC Basel , where he showed great talent from a young age. With Basel, Xhaka won two consecutive Swiss Super League titles in 2010 and 2011. His ability to read the game and his composure on the ball attracted the attention of big clubs in Europe.
In 2012, Xhaka joined Borussia Mönchengladbach in the German Bundesliga. There, he developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the league. His ability to control the tempo of the game, the accuracy of long-range passes, and his defensive abilities made him widely known. At the age of 22, Xhaka was named captain of Mönchengladbach, confirming his status as a natural leader.
Career at Arsenal
In 2016, Arsenal recruited Xhaka with a large transfer fee. He was immediately trusted to play an important role in the English club's midfield. Although initially facing some criticism for his aggressive playing style and frequent yellow cards, Xhaka soon proved his quality. Over time, he became a mainstay under various coaches such as Arsène Wenger, Unai Emery, and Mikel Arteta.
One of the most important moments in Xhaka's career at Arsenal was when he was appointed captain in 2019. However, his journey as captain was not always smooth. Xhaka had a controversial incident with Arsenal supporters that affected his position. However, he recovered from that situation and returned to showing his professionalism by performing consistently on the field.
Role in the Swiss National Team
At international level, Xhaka is the backbone of the Swiss national team . He made his debut in 2011 and has since become a key player. Xhaka has represented Switzerland at major tournaments, including the World Cup and the European Championship. His determined style of play and strong defensive abilities make him a leader on the pitch.
One of his most memorable moments came at Euro 2020, when Xhaka led Switzerland to a dramatic win over France in the round of 16. His heroics in that match—both as a driving force and a team leader—showed his ability in high-pressure situations.
Playing Style
Granit Xhaka dikenal dengan permainan keras namun terukur. Sebagai gelandang bertahan, ia sering menjadi penghubung antara lini belakang dan lini serang, mengatur aliran bola dengan umpan-umpan panjang yang akurat. Kemampuannya dalam melakukan tekel bersih dan mengantisipasi serangan lawan menjadikannya sosok vital di lini tengah.
Namun, gaya bermain Xhaka yang agresif juga memiliki kelemahan. Dia terkenal sering menerima kartu kuning, bahkan merah, akibat pelanggaran keras. Meskipun demikian, banyak penggemar dan pelatih yang menghargai kegigihan serta keberaniannya dalam menghadapi tantangan.
Kepemimpinan dan Karakter
Xhaka adalah pemimpin dengan karakter yang kuat. Dia dikenal sebagai pemain yang tidak mudah menyerah, bahkan ketika menghadapi kritik tajam atau tekanan besar. Kemampuannya untuk bangkit dari situasi sulit, seperti insiden dengan suporter Arsenal, menunjukkan kekuatan mentalnya yang luar biasa. Sebagai kapten, dia membawa ketenangan dan kejelasan taktik di lapangan, serta selalu memberikan segalanya untuk tim yang ia bela.
Kesimpulan
Granit Xhaka adalah pemain yang tangguh, berbakat, dan memiliki kepemimpinan yang alami. Kariernya yang panjang di level klub dan internasional memperlihatkan bahwa dia adalah salah satu gelandang bertahan terbaik di generasinya. Meski sering menghadapi kontroversi dan kritik, Xhaka selalu bangkit dan membuktikan kualitasnya sebagai pemimpin yang tak tergoyahkan di lapangan.
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