footballonsight

Tag: Granit Xhaka

  • Switzerland vs Colombia: Xhaka’s underdogs face Colombia’s firepower in Vancouver

    Switzerland and Colombia meet in Vancouver’s BC Place on Tuesday night, a last-16 tie that doubles as a quarter-final audition. The winner steps into a showdown with Argentina in the next round, while the loser’s World Cup ends in the round of 16. Granit Xhaka’s side arrive as the more disciplined unit, Colombia as the tournament’s most fluid attacking force. The contrast in style—Swiss structure versus Colombian creativity—will decide who advances.

    Underdogs with a plan

    Switzerland’s path here was built on control. They beat co-hosts Canada, thrashed Bosnia & Herzegovina, and held Qatar to a draw in the group stage before dismissing Algeria 2-0 in the first knockout round. Xhaka, their captain and metronome, has anchored a midfield that concedes few clear chances. The side’s set-piece threat remains a weapon: in the group alone they scored twice from dead balls, a pattern that unsettles opponents before the whistle even blows.

    Colombia, by contrast, arrived in Vancouver after edging past Ghana 1-0 in the last 32, a game decided by a 78th-minute strike. Their group saw them beat Uzbekistan and DR Congo while drawing with Portugal, a campaign built on quick transitions and individual brilliance. James Rodríguez, when fit, remains the creative spark, threading passes that split lines and create moments out of nothing. Yet Colombia’s defensive record is less convincing; they have already conceded more open-play shots than Switzerland in this tournament.

    Colombia’s firepower vs Xhaka’s midfield

    Colombia’s attacking trio—Luis Díaz, Rafael Santos Borré, and James—operates best when the ball moves quickly through midfield. Jefferson Lerma, their deepest midfielder, sits just ahead of the back four, tasked with shielding the defence while recycling possession. When Colombia press, Lerma’s positioning allows the front three to harry centre-backs and force errors. Against Switzerland, those errors may not come easily; Xhaka, flanked by two disciplined partners, rarely loses duels in midfield and rarely allows opponents time on the ball.

    Switzerland’s own attacking rhythm relies on rapid switches of play and direct runs from full-backs. Their wingers, often positioned narrower than traditional wide men, combine with overlapping full-backs to stretch play. The danger is clear: Colombia’s high line can be exposed if Switzerland exploit the spaces behind their defence. Yet Colombia’s centre-backs, Yerry Mina and Carlos Cuesta, are comfortable stepping into midfield to intercept long passes, a trait that could blunt Switzerland’s aerial route.

    Tactical chess in Vancouver

    Xhaka’s side will likely start in a 4-2-3-1, with two deep-lying midfielders screening the defence and a single pivot—often Manuel Akanji—distributing from deep. Colombia, when in possession, shape into a 4-3-3, but their wingers drift inside to overload the middle, leaving full-backs like Johan Mojica exposed against Switzerland’s overlapping runners. The key duel will be midfield: Xhaka versus Lerma, with James lurking between the lines. If Lerma is forced into deeper positions to cover Xhaka, Colombia’s front three lose their link to midfield. If Xhaka is isolated, James can dictate tempo from deep.

    Set-pieces remain Switzerland’s most reliable route to goal. They scored twice from dead balls in the group stage, and Colombia’s aerial weakness—exposed in their draw with Portugal—could be decisive. Colombia, meanwhile, have relied on individual moments: Díaz’s dribbling, James’s vision, Borré’s movement. Against a Swiss side that defends in compact blocks, those moments may need to be perfect.

    One tactical wrinkle to watch: Colombia’s pressing triggers. They have pressed high when opponents play out from the back, but Switzerland’s centre-backs are comfortable under pressure. If Colombia overcommit and leave spaces in midfield, Xhaka can exploit the half-turns to launch counter-attacks. Conversely, if Colombia sit deeper, Switzerland’s wingers must press aggressively to force errors and regain possession.

    Who holds their nerve?

    This is a tie where form matters less than execution. Switzerland’s consistency in big games—see their Euro 2024 quarter-final run—gives them an edge in tight contests. Colombia, though, have the individual quality to unpick any defence when at their best. The difference will be whether James can unlock the Swiss midfield and whether Xhaka’s discipline can suffocate Colombia’s creativity.

    For the winner, Argentina await in the quarter-finals, a side that has already survived a scare against Egypt. For the loser, the World Cup ends in Vancouver. The stakes are clear, the stage set. Xhaka’s underdogs face Colombia’s firepower, and only one side will leave with a path to the next round.

    Related coverage

    Transfer news LIVE: Barcelona want Harry Kane, Chelsea Granit Xhaka setback, Yan Diomande agreement · Transfer news LIVE: Marcus Rashford move, Yan Diomande update and Granit Xhaka latest

  • Xhaka to Chelsea: Xabi Alonso reunion edges closer

    Chelsea’s summer rebuild under Xabi Alonso is gathering pace, with the club closing in on a reunion with Granit Xhaka, the experienced Swiss midfielder who could provide both leadership and Premier League know-how at Stamford Bridge. The 33-year-old, who spent seven seasons at Arsenal before a brief but impactful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, is understood to be in advanced talks with the Blues, a move that would reunite him with the manager who guided Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in his debut season.

    Why Xhaka fits Alonso’s vision

    Xhaka’s profile aligns with Alonso’s preference for technically sound, battle-hardened midfielders who can dictate tempo and provide a shield in front of the defence. At Leverkusen, Alonso relied on players who could transition quickly from defence to attack, a trait Xhaka demonstrated during his 99 appearances for the club, where he contributed to their domestic dominance. His experience in the Premier League—most notably during his Arsenal years—also makes him an ideal candidate for a Chelsea side looking to blend youth with Premier League pedigree. The Blues’ squad, with an average age of 23.8, would benefit from Xhaka’s composure, a quality Alonso values highly in midfield playmakers.

    Sunderland’s decision to sign Xhaka for £13 million last summer proved significant. He played a pivotal role in securing top-flight survival and guiding the club into the Europa League, contributing 34 league appearances, one goal, and six assists. His ability to perform under pressure was evident in Sunderland’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea on the final day of the season, a result that denied the Blues European football. Yet, his current situation at Sunderland appears fluid, with reports suggesting he is open to a return to London, where he previously spent seven seasons at Arsenal. The timing of a potential move—just months after his £13m arrival at Sunderland—raises questions about his long-term ambitions, but his track record suggests he remains a player capable of influencing games at the highest level.

    Sunderland’s stance and Chelsea’s alternatives

    While Sunderland have publicly stated they would not welcome any offers for Xhaka, the club’s stance does not always preclude a deal, particularly when financial incentives align. Xhaka’s age—he turns 34 in September—means Chelsea would not need to overpay, a factor that could ease negotiations. The Blues, meanwhile, are exploring multiple avenues to strengthen their midfield, with reports of interest in Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix, another defender Alonso is targeting. The manager’s summer recruitment strategy appears to prioritise versatility and Premier League experience, a trend that could see Xhaka emerge as a key figure if a deal is finalised.

    Chelsea’s pursuit of Xhaka is not an isolated move. The club has already secured Marco Palestra, the Atalanta right-back, who underwent his Chelsea medical on Friday ahead of a £43m deal. Palestra, described as a player who “runs like a panther” and could help Chelsea with his athleticism, becomes Alonso’s first signing as manager. The Blues are also considering selling Trevoh Chalobah to Como, a move that could free up funds for further acquisitions. These developments suggest a clear pattern: Alonso is assembling a squad that balances youth with experience, a strategy that could see Xhaka slot into a midfield three alongside younger talents.

    Tactical fit and the bigger picture

    The potential Xhaka-Alonso reunion is more than a nostalgic nod to Leverkusen’s success; it’s a tactical upgrade for a Chelsea side still finding its feet under new management. Alonso’s system demands midfielders who can press high, recycle possession efficiently, and provide cover when the team transitions from attack to defence. Xhaka’s career statistics—297 appearances and 23 goals for Arsenal, 99 for Leverkusen—reflect a player who thrives in demanding environments. His ability to play in a double pivot or as a single pivot would give Alonso flexibility, particularly if Chelsea opt for a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 formation.

    Sunderland’s Europa League qualification adds another layer to Xhaka’s appeal. European football could be a draw for a player with Champions League experience, even if his role at Chelsea might differ from his time at Leverkusen. The Blues’ need for a midfield general—someone to steady the ship in tight games—could make Xhaka the missing piece in Alonso’s jigsaw. His Premier League pedigree, combined with his familiarity with Alonso’s methods, reduces the risk of an adjustment period, a factor that may have swayed Chelsea’s decision-makers.

    As the transfer window heats up, Chelsea’s interest in Xhaka underscores their intent to build a competitive squad quickly. The reunion with Alonso is a tantalising prospect for both player and club, offering a chance to replicate the success they enjoyed in Germany. Whether Sunderland can be convinced to part with their midfield lynchpin remains to be seen, but if a deal is struck, Xhaka could become the veteran presence Chelsea need to navigate a demanding Premier League campaign.

    Related coverage

    Chelsea signed future club legend, World Cup winner and massive £72m flop in record transfers · ‘PlayStation’ Palestra runs like a panther and can help Chelsea