Former Basel coach: Jaka, a born leader, was better than Salah and Shaqiri

Graniti is among the many talented players who have passed through the ranks of Swiss giants in the last decade, playing on the first team for two seasons before moving to Borussia Montengladbach and later to Arsenal.

He came to the first team a year after Shaqiri, who had already shown a high level, according to Vogel, after a season in which Liverpool's current player played a major role for Basel to provide two domestic trophies.

Vogel believes it is essential to understand why he considers Jaka the best he saw in the Swiss club. “Granit Jaka, ] said Vogel for “SPOX”, he was the most impressive player in my time as Basel coach. He did a great job. In the last week of the championship we had a game out, against Young Boys, which was worth the title.

Shaqiri played left defense against Seydouu Doumbina, who had scored over 30 goals in that season. Shaqiri completely neutralized him, developed an extraordinary game.

He was impressive, even in the Manchester United match. Experienced players like Patrice Evra were surprised by him. Gerdan also assisted both goals against United”.

Despite Shaqiri's record, which won the Swiss League titles in all three seasons at Basel, Jaka managed to impress Vogel with the leadership showing, from the first moment he saw it:

It was the time when Graniti became world champion for U-17. It was a championship break due to national commitments and we developed a friendly relationship with Basel.

Granit entered the 70th minute. At 75th he takes the ball, moves several meters and leads it into triangles, at a distance of 25 meters.

I still remember sitting on the bus after the fight, and I was thinking: You're talking about Shaqiri? Jaka's better.

This was the beginning of my personal love for him. Although only 18 years of age, Graniti was very clear in his actions and views.

He was a natural-born leader. Also, Momo Salah was impressive, but in another way”.