Arsenal fans may find it hard to believe but Granit Xhaka is one of their most important players…
When Arsenal’s so-called captain tells his own fans to “f*ck off”, it’s never going to go down well. Especially when that player was never really deemed worthy of captaincy by the fans in the first place.
I am of course talking about Granit Xhaka, who has had a season of three narratives. From struggling at the start to being a villain midway through, he is now on a mission to win back the hearts of the Arsenal faithful. However, according to ESPN, the Swiss midfielder is now in talks with Hertha Berlin over a move back to the Bundesliga.
Most Arsenal fans will breathe a sigh of relief and hope that this deal does go ahead. However, it’s important not to be too reactionary. It’s easy to see the input Xhaka puts into matches, especially in today’s match against Everton.
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See, Xhaka is the main dictator of play in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield. He is the go-to man when it comes to passes and his passing range is second to none. From short, sideways passing to long-range, defence-splitting through balls, the Swiss really does have it all in this regard.
Matteo Guendouzi can’t dictate play, neither can Joe Willock or Lucas Torreira. Each of these players have their own roles and their progress will be hindered if they are expecting to fill Xhaka’s boots.
I have seen many times over the past few seasons how Arsenal have missed Xhaka when he is not present. They just look out-of-touch in the midfield third and this leads to a lack of chances in the final third.
Yes, Xhaka has his flaws. I’m not here to tell you he is the best player in the world because he is not. He has work to do but he can do just that under the coaching of Mikel Arteta. What I am saying is; you only realise what you have when it’s gone. Arsenal cannot afford to lose Granit Xhaka, and this will be proven very shortly after they potentially lose him.
Do you think Arsenal should sell or keep Granit Xhaka?