Granit Xhaka models passing game after Toni Kroos: “One watches the great ones to see how they do it.” | OneFootball

The player perhaps more important than any other in Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s historic league-cup double last season had plenty more to say to Sky Germany last night. Bundesliga legend Granit Xhaka – after another command performance – confidently declared that he and his team were ready for their next meeting with German giants FC Bayern Munich. The 32-year-old also spoke on other topics.

True to form, Xhaka dominated in a Saturday evening win over Eintracht Frankfurt. The Swiss international radiated confidence after racking up 10 kilometers, completing thirty sprints, recording 82 touches, securing a 91 percent passing rate, and making brilliant contributions to the first and third Leverkusen goals.

“I’m perhaps fitter than last year,” Xhaka told Sky. “I’m obviously not getting any younger, but there’s a sense that it doesn’t matter. [The way we play] suits me. [Head-coach Xabi Alonso] always spurs the team on. We make it 2-0 and he’s all over us, making sure we want more.”

Xabi wasn’t the only figure Xhaka reserved praise for. The personalities at the Sky sports desk wanted to know if Xhaka modeled himself after another legendary midfielder who fought hard throughout his career and continued to raise his form into his mid-thirties: Toni Kroos

Xhaka’s immaculate passing game on this particular evening was truly something to behold. Much like Kroos, Xhaka often stretches his arm out to indicate a pass in one direction, then move the ball in the opposite direction using his peripheral vision and intuition.

Did Xhaka copy Kroos’ moves?

“Of course you look at the great players and see how they do it,” Xhaka unflinchingly answered. “And I myself am a big fan of Toni Kroos. He does it so often, indicates on the right and plays on the left.”

GGFN | Peter Weis