Unai Emery is a footballing genius, everybody knows that, but how quickly he has resolved Arsenal’s left-back issues is not spoken about enough.
Over the last two games, Arsenal fans have been noticing some interesting experiments. Unai Emery opted to play Granit Xhaka at left-back for a short spell against Leicester City, and boy did it pay off.
Xhaka is by no means a natural defender, I’ll be the first to admit, but he is adapting well. With the Swiss international playing at full-back, the centre-backs have become stretched somewhat in order to help him out. Contrary to what would be believed, the centre-backs have faced no problems since.
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This has all came about because Nacho Monreal is suffering injury issues. And of course, Arsenal need to start looking towards the future as he is beginning to age. Sead Kolasinac was signed as his replacement, but the Bosnian is consistently on the treatment table so Emery can’t rely on him.
Playing Xhaka at left-back is a short-term fix. It’s a stopgap until Emery can push for a move in January. While I doubt Emery will play him there in the big game coming up against Liverpool, if he can continue to impress then I don’t see why not.
Not only has Xhaka given the defenders a favour, but they have also given him a favour. When you’re a full-back in a system which revolves around playing out from the back, you’re often asked to pass under pressure. While Xhaka is a good passer, he’s been known to lose the ball when he is pressed. Playing at full-back is only going to benefit this flaw in his game, as he seeks to become a well-rounded midfielder.
Arsenal fans are noticing the benefits, but it’s not being spoken about as much as it should be. Emery has done a good job here, and he should pat himself on the back for it.
Do you think Granit Xhaka has impressed at full back?