Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has revealed his admiration for current World footballer of the year Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Switzerland’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against European Champions Portugal on October 10.

Granit Xhaka believes that while Cristiano Ronaldo is not entirely Portugal, their national team does rely heavily on him.

Granit Xhaka’s Switzerland National team lock horns with Portugal on Tuesday October 10 in their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying game. Last time they played each other, Switzerland won 2-0 and a major part of this was maybe because the Real Madrid star was sidelined with a torn collateral ligament injury.

Without captain Ronaldo, who’s scored 78 goals in 145 matches, as Granit Xhaka says, the quality of the European Champions side decreases. Not just because they are missing his ability on the field beside them but because their confidence go down.

The Swiss won’t be so lucky this time around as the Real Madrid forward is fit.

However, before facing Portugal lead Cristiano Ronaldo, Granit Xhaka’s country has to play Hungary.

Hungary are placed third in Group B, a huge 11 points behind the Portuguese who are just three short of Switzerland. Therefore, while Switzerland have a good opportunity of qualifying, they cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal just yet.

The Arsenal star is set to play his 56th match for his national team.