Granit Xhaka’s Switzerland teammate, Stephan Lichtsteiner, believes that the midfielder has learned more responsibility and world class leadership skills at Arsenal.

Lichtsteiner was full of praise for Xhaka during a recent interview, claiming that the 25-year-old has learned a great deal about leadership since joining Arsenal from Borussia Mönchengladbach last year.

“He has always taken on responsibility, and what he has learned at Arsenal, at an absolute top club, is world-class,” said Lichtsteiner.

“His leadership is extremely important to us.”

Lichtsteiner has been Switzerland’s captain since 2015 and has been playing for his country’s senior side since 2006. He’s been capped 95 times. Therefore, Xhaka is bound to be chuffed with the 33-year-old’s praise.

“Steph has been a regular and has won so many titles for years, yet he’s as hungry as he was at 20 (years old),” replied the midfielder.

At Arsenal, we’re yet to see much of Xhaka’s leadership skills. He shouts a lot, for sure, but just barking orders at your teammates doesn’t make you captain material.

xhaka switzerland northern ireland
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – NOVEMBER 09: Granit Xhaka of Switzerland in action during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Play-Off: First Leg between Northern Ireland and Switzerland at Windsor Park on November 9, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

You never know though, the midfielder was handed the skipper’s armband for Switzerland’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra, so perhaps he does have the makings of a leader about him. Given his compatriot’s comments, it certainly seems as if they’re lining him up to take over from Lichtsteiner once the Juventus man retires.

Xhaka has now been capped 58 times for his country, scoring eight goals, so you can hardly say he’s not experienced enough.

Plus, he does seem to play better for Switzerland than Arsenal – this season at least. In fact, the midfielder has been pretty poor for the Gunners so far this term.

Hopefully, his positive displays for his country spread to his club.