Granit Xhaka put in another strong individual performance on Saturday, this time for Switzerland as they upset Spain.

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Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka applauds the fans following the English Premier League football match between Brentford and Arsenal at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on September 18, 2022. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)

Granit Xhaka has been one of the stars of the early part of Arsenal’s season, excelling in his new role and getting more involved in the goals than he ever has in north London.

The 29-year-old appears to have carried that form into the international break, as he impressed for Switzerland in their surprise win over Spain on Saturday.

Xhaka completed 84% of his passes, five of six long balls, made four clearances, three interceptions, and 10 recoveries in an all-action midfield performance.

Switzerland had to do a lot of work without the ball, seeing just 26% of it. But the chances were actually very even, with Spain having just one more shot (eight vs seven) and having fewer shots on target (four vs five).

In the end, Xhaka captained his side to a 2-1 victory. It was an important win for Switzerland, who now go into their final game of the Nations League group only needing a draw with the Czech Republic to avoid relegation.

Qualifying for the play-offs was always a long shot, and it’s now mathematically impossible with Portugal four points clear of Switzerland with one game remaining. But they can still at least remain in the top division for the next Nations League.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Fabio Viera of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their side's third goal with Granit Xhaka during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Arsenal FC at Brentford Community Stadium on September 18, 2022. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Fabio Viera of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their side’s third goal with Granit Xhaka during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Arsenal FC at Brentford Community Stadium on September 18, 2022. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Xhaka has a goal and three assists already in the Premier League this season, which beats his totals from any of the last three full campaigns.

There’s no doubt that form helps the team going forward, and the Arsenal fans recognised Xhaka’s performance last Sunday, singing “we’ve got Granit Xhaka” repeatedly.

Those supporters will hope Xhaka comes back from the international break unscathed and ready to put in another good performance in the north London derby. But first, he’ll likely start that final group game against the Czech Republic.