Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has impressed in the years since he made the transfer switch to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
The midfielder had a rocky career at the Emirates Stadium, facing challenges along the way that saw him in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Granit Xhaka put himself back to the top with Arsenal though, helping transform the fan opinion into a positive one in his final season.
Now lauded as something of a hero, the Switzerland international has been an overwhelming success since joining Bayer Leverkusen.
The midfielder went on to help the club win the Bundesliga, ending Bayern Munich’s winning streak while playing an important role in the campaign.
The praise and individual accolades don’t stop for Xhaka, who has come in for yet more in recent days.
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Granit Xhaka wins Swiss Player of the Year award
2024 was a special year for Xhaka as he finally lifted silverware once again, helping Bayer Leverkusen win the Bundesliga.
Over the following summer, the midfielder played a key role for the Switzerland international team in the European Championship.
He helped guide the team to the quarter-finals, losing to England on penalties to end the Euros campaign.
With those performances in mind, Xhaka went on to win the Swiss Player of the Year for 2024, an accolade he has become accustomed to winning.
Upon receiving the award, he said, via Bayer Leverkusen: “It wasn’t just my year. It was our year, with a great Euros.
“It was outstanding to win the trophies with the club but also celebrate the successes with the national team. I’d like to thank everybody once again.
“Above all, Murat Yakin [Switzerland head coach] who supported me both in training as well as privately.”
It marks an outstanding year for the midfielder, who moves from strength to strength in his career.
How has Granit Xhaka done since leaving Arsenal?
After leaving Arsenal in 2023, Granit Xhaka has been an ever-present force in the Bayer Leverkusen side each week.
The midfielder has won three trophies with the Bundesliga title, the DFB Pokal and the German Super Cup in his time so far.
Add to that a Europa League final and the Swiss star could’ve had an even better individual year to his name.
| Appearances | 77 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 7 |
So far at Bayer Leverkusen, Xhaka has racked up over 70 appearances with a handful of goals and assists to his name.
With the uncertainty currently surrounding Arsenal’s midfield, there may be questions about whether Mikel Arteta will regret selling the former captain.
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