Ex-Arsenal star Granit

Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is shining in a new role at Bayer Leverkusen.

And for a key midfield star, he’s at the top of the list in Europe.

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Xhaka, 31, was signed from Leverkusen in the summer after being targeted by coach Xabi Alonso.

The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich superstar has since shown that he is just as good in the dugout as he is on the pitch.

Leverkusen sit at the top of the Bundesliga table after winning 10 of their 11 games this season.

And former Arsenal captain Xhaka is excelling in a new role thanks to Alonso’s 3-4-3 formation.

An additional centre-back has given the Swiss star player more freedom to move forward as a supporting midfielder.

Surprisingly, he has yet to score a goal or provide an assist for Leverkusen.

Instead, Xhaka has transformed into the man who makes the crucial pass before an assist, creating a total of 12 chances.

And with 129, he is at the top of Europe’s top seven leagues with the most passes into the final third.

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Xhaka also plays almost 100 passes per game – with an impressive accuracy of over 93 percent.

His attacking teammates have certainly benefited from his technical abilities.

Forward Victor Boniface has 11 goals and six assists this season.

Attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz has scored six goals and ten assists.

And versatile winger Jonas Hofmann has scored seven goals and six assists.

Even Leverkusen’s full-backs are thriving thanks to Xhaka’s influence.

Right winger Jeremie Frimpong has scored five goals and seven assists so far.

While left-back Alejandro Grimaldo has eight goals and six assists.

And as long as Xhaka stays fit, the eternal champions Bayern Munich could finally be pushed out at the top of the Bundesliga at the end of the season.