Arsenal’s Xhaka ready to build on strong 2017

Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka is eager to prove his worth this season, after a mixed opening campaign in the Premier League.

The Swiss international joined for around £30 Million last summer from Borussia Monchengladbach, but started life in North London in controversial fashion, picking up unnecessary cards and hindering his side in some matches.

Xhaka did end the campaign impressively however, stamping his foot down on a first-team role following the switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation, and really began to repay the money paid for him toward the end of the season.

The midfielder is keen to continue to grow in England, and admits it took a little time to become accustomed to the playing style in the Premier League.

“I think every player needs time to adjust to a new league, a new country and new team-mates,” he said.

“The back end of last season I already felt good and I am feeling more comfortable now and want to help the team as much as I can this season as well.

“I know it has been criticised but my style of play is to be aggressive. My two red cards can be discussed, were they necessary or not, but I am hoping to have less cards this season and build on the end of last season where I already had less.

“I’m a player who likes to have the ball, dictate the play.

“The fans knew that and the club did too, that is probably why they got me but there is another side to my game as well – that is being aggressive and fighting in the duels.”

Is Xhaka the first midfielder on the teamsheet now? Does he look value for money?

Pat J

Tags Arsenal Xhaka

19 Comments

  1. He’s not perfect- but he’s working hard, gets better in almost every game-

    And pings a long ball as good as anyone in the league.

    Still needs to improve tackling. But I like him in the team. That said – don’t think Coq or Elneny are far behind

  2. “that is being aggressive and fighting in the duels.”
    Is that what happened when Okazaki beat you to d header?

  3. So far from what I have seen Xhaka is most certainly good but not spectacular and I always wonder when his next error is coming and he still needs to learn to tackle cleanly and strongly.
    However He was highly rated in Germany so may be this is something that will be better in his second seaon.
    His pass range is very good and he has a great shot which I would like to see him use more often. I think if he had a really good defensive midfielder with him we would see his full range and he would really fly.

  4. OT

    Although leading 3-1 Bayern Munich has been anything but dominant against Leverkusen. BL has had at least 5 glorious scoring opportunities and yet that typicall horseshoe is still firmly placed in the Bavarian giants ass.

    Arsenal should put in a cheeky bid for Tah and Hendricks, two young studs for BL.

    Oh Yeah In Xhaka We Trust!! Lol

  5. He’s a bit overrated I must say.I also don’t get those who are asking him to tackle well.The fact is he’s not a good tackler.I fear Wenger has made him untouchable in our team such that even if he plays badly he still starts.I mean if people are saying he’s not a DM in the first place then is he also a CM?If he’s a CM does he have the quality to play along side a DM?These are the questions we need to ask ourselves.If he’s a CM then he’s good at distributing from deep and also up top but he can’t hold thd ball in tight spaces or dribble which is very important.If he’s a DM then he simply can’t defend.That’s why for us to be successful in the long term with him we need a hybrid midfielder or what I call a defensive box to box midfielder.

    1. I’m really glad I’m not the only one thinking this way.
      That’s the simple truth. Can’t take anything away from his passes, he’s one the very best around when it comes to those long passes. But I really worry when he’s under pressure and his work rate without the ball is a bigger worry – too immobile!
      We need a box-box midfielder, a dynamic one. Seri is great, and a very good passer of the ball but seems Wenger isn’t looking his detection.

    1. I kind of agree with you.If Xhaka is a CM and Ramsey is a CM this means we have to CM’s in the centre which I just don’t get.This raises questions whether Xhaka’s role in the team is well defined.If the likes of Wilshere and Ramsey are fit we must sell before we bring in another CM.Those two are very good but their fitness is a problem.

  6. Draxler can play alongside Xhaka but that’s Seri’s best position, i would love both to come,however i don’t see it happening only one is likely to come, in all fairness i think that would be Draxler, Why? because he can play in Sanchez’s position when injured or suspended, Draxler can also play in Ozil’s Position when injured or suspended, Draxler can play in Carzola’s position alongside Xhaka.
    Cech
    Mustafi/Holding…. Metsekar/kosceny…Koscleny/Monreal
    ox….Xhaka….Draxler….Kolasinac
    ozil…….Sanchez
    Lacazette

  7. Has anyone noticed how poorly lemar has been performing this season? I don’t want that dude in an arsenal shirt. Seems to me like a one season wonder and not nearly the £50m monaco wants for him

    1. Lemar doesn’t want to play for Monaco anymore,he’s been forced to do so.Watch Sanchez do the same with us if we don’t sell him.

  8. xhaka would be a superstar in most countries but most countries give you an hour on the ball. slow footed , slow thinking and not particularly brave.
    can pass though , and always gets the blood pumping when on the ball from 30 yards. if he can improve his response team , could do ok.better than el n
    happy to see how he goes. after koscielny first season i wanted him arrested for taking mogadon before games, but he sorted himself out

  9. Xhaka has improved some what, although there were some miss passes in the last match, i think Xhaka and Elneny have a good understanding and should continue in the middle

  10. Did anyone see Henry analysing Xhaka mistakes on Lacazette? Laca made numerous runs, but Xhaka failed to do his usual long ball, through balls, but its just a case of understanding. Mark my words, once these two have settled and get to know each other, they will be a beast, perhaps better than Ozil

  11. Xhaka is very poor in aerial duels.. If you watch him closely you will also find that he is always on his heels when not on the ball. He’s got to be on his toes otherwise it’s very easy to get past him. As he is not a natural tackler, he should avoid rushing into challenges. I hope he improves…

  12. main thing is he has assimilated into the team and xhaka appears to be having fun which will transfer onto the pitch. the kid is commited and not one to take any crap from rivals a quality we seen in viera.

    *xhaka is doing just grand he knows when he made mistake and can analyse and criticise his own game. that means he expects to improve his game and thats the attitude we all like to see.

  13. Xhaka was man of the match against Chelsea with a wonderful assists,he has 2 very important assists Leicester dude has bn a consistent performer since late last season buh u guys will always have something to moan,its just a pity

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