GRANIT XHAKA built his perfect footballer – but one of his decisions left fans absolutely baffled.
The former Arsenal midfielder, 31, left the Emirates to join Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.
Twitter @bayer04_enGranit Xhaka selected his perfect footballer[/caption]
AlamyManuel Akanji was a surprise inclusion for his intelligence on the pitch[/caption]
He filmed a video for the Bundesliga club’s social media channels constructing the best player imaginable.
That included selecting someone’s right foot, left foot, pace, physicality and football IQ.
And it was the final call that left supporters astonished.
Xhaka chose Cristiano Ronaldo for the right foot – hardly a major surprise considering the Portugal legend has scored more than 850 senior career goals, with a large chunk with that lethal right foot.
He then opted for his former Arsenal pal Mesut Ozil for the left foot after witnessing first-hand at the Emirates what the German playmaker could do with that wand.
For his speedster, Leverkusen pace merchant Jeremie Frinpong gets the nod.
David Luiz earned his place for his strength with the pair teaming up for the Gunners.
But it was the choice for the final question that raised eyebrows in the comments section.
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For the player with the best footballing brain, Xhaka went for his Switzerland international team-mate Manuel Akanji.
And while many lauded Xhaka for thinking outside the box with the slightly rogue choice of the Manchester City defender, many were left bamboozled.
One said: “I’m speechless…”
Another wrote: “Disaster.”
A third added: “Akanji?? Ozil?? Bro is lost.”
A fourth quipped: “Akanji over Messi – makes sense.”
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And a final user joked: “I lost it when he said Akanji. My guy asking football IQ not how many languages a player speaks.”
But one replied: “Akanji football IQ is a very underrated pick here. Guy is a fantastic player and one of Pep’s favourites. Class player.”
And another responded: “Funny how he’s the only one with original answers but you’re picking on him for not going for CR7 or Messi.”
Xhaka is thriving under Xabi Alonso in Germany.
Despite not registering a goal and chipping in with one assist in 21 games for his new club so far, the Swiss star is proving a key cog in the high-flying side.
Unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen sit top of the Bundesliga table, four points clear of Bayern Munich.
And in the Europa League, they emphatically won all six of their Group H matches – scoring 19 and conceding just three.
GettyCristiano Ronaldo’s right boot has scored hundreds of goals[/caption]
EPADavid Luiz’s strength and Mesut Ozil’s left foot got special praise[/caption]
Jeremie Frimpong is blessed with lightning paceGetty