Kevin Campbell has joked ‘please, no’ at the prospect of Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka winning the 2022 Qatar World Cup with Switzerland, as he told the Highbury Squad Podcast.
Switzerland have booked their golden plane ticket to the Middle East for November, and just like the European Championships, they will be looking to cause an upset.
At Euro 2020, the Swiss knocked the World Champions France out of the competition, with Arsenal’s one-time captain, Xhaka, running the show in the middle of the park.
Over the years, in Arsenal colours, he has proven to be a marmite-like figure, but no one can argue the level of performance and the consistency levels he produces when donning the colours of his country.
Could there be a world where Switzerland are the champions of the footballing world? And Xhaka is holding the famous golden trophy aloft?
After Scottish commentator, Derek Rae, backed Xhaka’s side to be the ‘dark horses’ for the world’s biggest tournament, this is what Campbell had to say.
“Are you saying there could be a world where Xhaka could lift the World Cup?” said host Sophie Nicolaou. “I love it. Absolutely brilliant.”
Campbell responded: “When you put it like that, Soph. Please, no.”
Many have questioned Xhaka over the years in north London, but some respect may have to be put on his name for this season.
The 29-year-old has been outstanding in the middle of the park, alongside Thomas Partey, and is showing serious signs that he could possibly help them to Champions League football again.
The mood around the club has changed and Mikel Arteta has transformed this previously struggling, weak, timid and ageing squad.
To one that is now defensively sound, young, vibrant, ever-progressing and showing signs of their old attacking self.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
