Granit Xhaka could surpass incredible Cristiano Ronaldo achievement during Euro 2024 knockout stages
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka could surpass Cristiano Ronaldo's record for most Player of the Match awards in the European Championship during the knockout stages of the ongoing showpiece.
The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has been the driving force behind La Nati's progression into the last-16 of Euro 2024. With five points in three games, they finished second in Group A and will face defending champions Italy in the next round.
Xhaka, who is the most capped Swiss player of all time with 127 appearances under his belt, has received two Player of the Match awards at Euro 2024 so far. Overall, he has won five at the tournament since making his debut in 2016.
The 31-year-old needs just two more awards to surpass the record jointly held by Ronaldo and Spain legend Andres Iniesta. Both these players have been named the Player of the Match for Portugal and Spain respectively on six occasions at the Euros.
While Iniesta has long retired, Ronaldo is currently playing in his sixth and potentially the last European Championship of his international career at 39. It hasn't been as productive as he'd have liked, though, with the Portugal skipper yet to score a goal in the ongoing edition.
He hasn't won the Player of the Match award so far either, although against minnows Georgia on Wednesday, the Al-Nassr star will be looking to surpass Iniesta and take the lead on this list.
Xhaka will be important against Italy
Switzerland face another tough challenge in the Round of 16 of Euro 2024 against holders Italy, who beat them 3-0 in the group stages of the last European Championship.
If La Nati were to pull off another upset at this stage of the competition as last time when they knocked out France, Granit Xhaka's contributions would be vital. He currently boasts 87.5% passing accuracy, made eight recoveries and another 16 passes in the final third.
The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has been a battering ram for the Swiss thus far, displaying excellent vision to break down opposition teams. Head coach Murat Yakin will want more of the same from him during their crunch knockout encounter on Saturday.