Switzerland’s surprising run to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals is a testament to the power of teamwork and work ethic. While individual brilliance can sometimes steal the spotlight, the Swiss squad has proven that a collective spirit and unwavering dedication can propel a team further than expected.
At the heart of this success story lies Granit Xhaka. The former Arsenal midfielder has undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding the reputation for occasional rash tackles and blossoming into a true leader for the national team. His club form under Xabi Alonzo in Bayern Leverkusen has translated seamlessly to the international stage, making him a powerhouse presence in midfield.
“Xhaka has taken a giant leap forward,” stated Switzerland coach Murat Yakin after their group stage victory over Hungary. “He’s the engine of our team, dictating the tempo and organizing the entire midfield.” Statistics back up Yakin’s claims. Xhaka currently leads the tournament in successful tackles (2.7 per game) and boasts an impressive 88% pass completion rate. His ability to win the ball back and initiate attacks has been invaluable for Switzerland.
Beyond Xhaka, the entire Swiss team embodies a relentless work ethic. They boast the second-highest number of tackles per game (19.3) in Euro 2024, demonstrating their commitment to winning possession and disrupting their opponents’ plays. This collective effort has created a strong defensive unit that has conceded only one goal in four matches.
The combination of Xhaka’s leadership and the team’s unwavering work ethic has fostered a spirit of unity and determination. They play for each other, covering for one another’s weaknesses and capitalizing on individual strengths. This teamwork, coupled with Xhaka’s resurgence, has propelled Switzerland to a stage beyond many pre-tournament predictions. As they face their quarter-final opponents, one thing is certain: underestimating the Swiss team would be a grave mistake.
