Gabby Agbonlahor agrees that Granit Xhaka has recovered well from falling out with Arsenal’s fans in 2019 and he can be named the club’s captain again.
The Swiss midfielder fell out with the Gooners seriously in 2019 when he ripped his jersey off after walking off the pitch.
He was then stripped of the club’s captaincy shortly after that time, and he has been just a squad member.
Mikel Arteta considers him a core member of his team and the Spaniard has trusted him from the first day he became the club’s manager.
Gradually, Xhaka has won the hearts of more Arsenal faithful and he is now being considered a potential wearer of the club’s armband again.
Former Aston Villa man, Agbonlahor believes that would not be a terrible decision. He tells Football Insider:
I think so, yeah. Xhaka has been outstanding. He shows fights, and he looks like a good leader.
‘The Arsenal fans have taken to him again and you’ve seen stranger things happen. I’ve got no problem with it.’
Just Arsenal Opinion
Xhaka has been a key player for us and he is a driving force in the current team that could earn a return to the Champions League by the end of the campaign.
He has been exemplary with his performance and this makes him a suitable candidate for our captaincy again.
But Martin Odegaard should probably keep the armband, especially because he is much younger and will wear it for a long time.
Odegaard should continue to be that captain, Xhaka could deputize during his obscene, if he happens to get injury or any form of illness.
Xhaka in my opinion still has a huge roll to play in this young team that seems to be ahead of schedule.
His experience, understanding of the culture and been a huge figure in the dressing rooms are factors one must not take lightly,
at times his influence on and off the pitch is paramount.
He is a polarizing figure alright, but there is something all managers and players pass and present sees in him that most of us don’t,
My experience tells me you don’t just disregard these type of people, you utilize their strengths positively.
Gunsmoke, some of those who dislike Xhaka, will call your post hilarious – it makes complete sense to me.
Just calling a spade a spade Jon👍
I think he has got himself back that reputation expected of him. I love his resilience, professionalism and how he was able to handle the past situations that befell him with the fans. If we get him to stay further, he can be given the role of assistant captain.
But he’s done this before – give it a bit more time before announcing he’s turned everything around. Certainly don’t make him captain again
Fool me once…
I wouldn’t make Odegaard the captain based only on his longevity at the club in the future. I really rate him and hope he gets a chance to lead.
As for Xhaka, he has served his penance. I didn’t like his actions at the time but I didn’t like the personal abuse he received either.
To be rehabilitated back into the first team showed some guts and I admire him for that.
There are other players who have been half the man that he is at a personal level and get praise heaped on them regardless