GRANIT Xhaka and his brother Taulant may have played each other three times on the pitch this year, but they faced off on FIFA 17 over Christmas.
Arsenal star Granit posted the family moment on his Instagram page as Basel midfielder Taulant came to London to visit his younger sibling during his winter break.
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And as his next real life game is not until February, the two brothers did what any would do and play the popular game on a massive TV screen.
They have had the pleasure of facing each other on the football pitch three times in the calendar year with the Arsenal midfielder won every time – so let’s hope Taulant got his own back.
First, they played in the European Championships as Granit’s Switzerland came out as narrow 1-0 winners over Taulant’s Albania.
And they then played twice in the Champions League group stages with Granit’s Arsenal beating Taulant’s Basle in both home and away legs.
But while Taulant can put his feet up, Arsenal’s £35million signing is just in the swing of a manic festive period as the season nears halfway.
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The Gunners play Crystal Palace at the Emirates on New Year’s Day and have just 50 hours to recover before their next game, an away tie against Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth.
And having played the past few games as he moves in and out the side, Granit knows he must perform to retain his place now that Aaron Ramsey back fit after a muscular injury .
Granit knows he must be on top of his game if he is to retain his place in the centre of Arsene Wenger’s side.
Discipline problems have haunted the Swiss star, having been sent off eight times in three years, including once for Arsenal in their 3-2 win over Swansea in October.
But the tough-tackling midfielder recently said he has no plans to curb his aggression, telling Arsenal's website: "I wouldn't change myself for anybody. I am who I am, people accept me or they don't.
"I have my strengths and my weaknesses which I can try to improve upon, of course. I'm still not the finished product.
"I'm only 24 so I've got plenty of time to keep improving."
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