When Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka takes to the Al Janoub Stadium pitch with Switzerland on Thursday morning it will be his third World Cup tournament at the age of 30. The Gunners midfielder is one of Murat Yakin's most experienced and best players in his 26-man squad and will play a key role in their journey in the Middle east.
Xhaka has made over 100 appearances for the Swiss national team after being handed his first cap over a decade ago at the age of 18 years, eight months and eight days. Now, with his importance at club level higher than ever, Xhaka will be hoping to lead his nation past the round of 16 for the first time since 1954 - they have crashed out in the last 16 in four of their previous five attempts.
They face one of the competition's favourites in Brazil in their second game, but they will fancy their chances of progressing as runners-up against Cameroon and Serbia.
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Ahead of the tournament's kick-off today, an image of the Arsenal midfielder emerged on one of Doha's sky-scrappers wearing Switzerland's World Cup kit. The image was shared across social media on Sunday as the nation prepared for the start of the tournament.
The display demonstrates the tremendous resurgence for Xhaka in the past 18 months after experiencing a torrid time in north London with Arsenal. Many remember his infamous moment at the Emirates Stadium against Crystal Palace in 2019 and his needless red cards in the past but the midfielder has enjoyed a tremendous return to his best.
Xhaka has played a starring role for Mikel Arteta's side this season to help steer the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table. Forming a formidable partnership with Thomas Partey in midfield, the Swiss skipper has scored four goals in all competitions this season and has put in a string of consistent performances.
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