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Stephan Lichtsteiner is the perfect fit for Granit Xhaka

By Kian Long

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 29: Granit Xhaka of Switzerland (L) receives the captain's armband from Stephan Lichtsteiner during the international friendly match between Switzerland and Bosnia-Herzegovina at Stadium Letzigrund on March 29, 2016 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images)
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 29: Granit Xhaka of Switzerland (L) receives the captain's armband from Stephan Lichtsteiner during the international friendly match between Switzerland and Bosnia-Herzegovina at Stadium Letzigrund on March 29, 2016 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images) /
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Stephan Lichtsteiner is heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.

The Juventus full-back has been critical to their defensive philosophy over the last few seasons, but it seems like his time to part ways with the Old Lady has finally come. Arsenal are very interested in his signature, and it’s not hard to see why.

Although his age may be off-putting for some, experience is just what Arsenal need right now. They are looking to rebuild under a new manager, something which Lichtsteiner is no stranger to.

The Swiss international has experience of playing with his international captain Granit Xhaka, which will excite fans. A similar situation was supposed to happen with Ricardo Rodriguez, but the move never materialized.

Lichtsteiner is just what Xhaka needs to exploit his best traits. It’s no coincidence that the Arsenal man is adored in Switzerland, but given a tough time in England. This is because with his country, the players around him know how to get the best from him.

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Stephan Lichtsteiner is a tremendously versatile full-back. He’s very solid in defense, yet his attacking prowess shouldn’t go overlooked. We often see him bomb forward and contribute to attacking play, even with his age.

This is what Xhaka encourages his full-backs to do. His stock-in-trade is dictating the midfield and switching the play whenever necessary, as we’ve seen with his trademark long balls.

With this, Xhaka needs somebody out wide who is comfortable in possession, which Hector Bellerin has got good at. Bellerin’s first touch has improved under this routine, but his attacking input is very frustrating at times.

Lichtsteiner on the other hand, has a lot more to offer. This doesn’t mean Bellerin should be cast aside, in fact I believe it will bring out the best in the Spaniard.

Bellerin is at his best when he is facing healthy competition. When he first plummeted into the first team, he pushed Mathieu Debuchy aside and was known as one of the best young players in the world.

It seems to have dropped off, which is a shame to see. Lichtsteiner will provide Bellerin with both competition and a mentor to look up to, should he join Arsenal. He will teach Bellerin what it is to be a full-back and most importantly, what it is to be a full-back under Xhaka.

Next: Tottenham may have changed their minds about Mousa Dembele

In summary, I believe if Arsenal were to sign Stephan Lichtsteiner, then both Hector Bellerin and Granit Xhaka will reap the benefits.

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