Patrik Schick: "Xhaka was the most important player for the whole team"

In an honest interview with Sky Germany, Bayer Leverkusen's Patrik Schick feels the loss of Granit Xhaka could outweigh the departure of Florian Wirtz. 

The Swiss international, who has just joined newly promoted Sunderland, leaves Schick somewhat worried about the midfielder's absence at Die Werkself.

“We can't replace Florian Wirtz. His quality is very hard to find. We have to replace him with the whole team and find another way to replace him.

"That's a problem, of course, but that's just how it is. […] But Granit Xhaka was the most important player for the whole team, and he's gone now too.

"He was a leader. He was the most experienced player. And he was simply very important for the whole team. A lot of things worked well with him. I think that's the biggest loss,” he added.

The Czechia marksman went on to explain how new signings and those that have stayed at the club must show ‘character’ and ‘come out of their shells' to seize the chance to shine.