Granit Xhaka missed out on his side’s latest international after picking up a two-yellow red suspension and parts of the Swiss media believe his absence was why the game ended up being a lot more difficult than it needed to be.
Xhaka, I’m sure, will be the first to admit that his suspension was wholly unnecessary, getting a second booking in the 93rd minute of their 2-0 win over Portugal during the last international break.
Swiss publication, Neue Zurcher Beitung, was one of a number from the country to highlight the imbalance in the side without Xhaka’s presence and how his absence affected their organisation, passing, defensive work, and general mechanics of how they normally operate.
Criticism was handed out to many of the Swiss players, but a special mention was given to Stoke’s Golden Boy, Xherdan Shaqiri, who offered little in the way of defensive work, often leaving holes in the middle.
Switzerland play Andorra at the Estadi Nacional d’Andorra on Monday night and Xhaka should return to the starting lineup for what should be a routine evening for the Swiss, who currently top the group with two wins out of two.
Andorra are bottom without a single point, having conceded seven and scored none.