‘Real authority and confidence’ – Wright full of praise for stand-out star

Ian Wright is thoroughly impressed by Granit Xhaka’s performances this season, with the fan’s favourite claiming Arsenal are finally getting the star we have seen perform for Switzerland previously.

The midfielder has been one of our best players so far this season, with his assist at the weekend’s victory over Brentford standing out as just one of his incredible moments at present.

While Xhaka has previously been one to be picked on for below-par performances, with his previous outburst having stuck in many fans’ minds, but he has been winning more and more fans over in recent seasons, and Wright is one who is now impressed by what he can bring for our side.

“For me, Granit Xhaka is a player that we’re finally see play like he does for Switzerland,” Wright told Match of the Day followers (via the Express). “He’s playing in a position that suits him, playing more offensively. He’s playing with real authority and confidence.

“Lately he’s been able to find space and from there he can be really dangerous because, for me, he’s got easily one of the best left-foots in the Premier League. It’s a great cross for the Jesus goal, it’s fantastic. He can also do the defensive stuff, he gets back and get his foot in there.

“He set the tempo for Arsenal off the ball. I’m really pleased for him because I was one of his staunchest critics. But now we’re seeing the best of Granit Xhaka.”

I can’t lie, the 29 year-old is playing out of his skin so far this season, with his new advanced role seemingly bringing the best out of him, and he could well be one of the most important players in our side at present.

Does anyone still want to see the midfielder replaced in the near future?

Patrick

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Tags Granit Xhaka Ian Wright

11 Comments

  1. He’s always been a phenominal player but he’s totally playing out his heart for us now. All the backlashes he got with us previously is forgotten.

    1. I disagree.
      I don’t think it is credible to say that he has always been a phenomenal player given his performances over a number of years.
      He is clearly playing better now since some changes to his deployment.

  2. Xhaka is in great form right now, but I would still like to see competition for that spot in the starting 11. I would say the same with Partey as well; there is not a player who is pushing them to stay sharp and improve.

    Vieira looks to be real competition for Odegaard in the 10 spot, and I hope Arteta makes Odegaard play his way back into the starting lineup rather than gifting him starts.

    If we want the best out of this squad, it starts with competing for starts in positions rather than automatically starting players. Hopefully we see more if this in the current season.

    1. Durand is not the real truth that we have only 17 top quality proven players in our squad right now!!?

      That does NOT equate to TWO top class players for all eleven positions.

      We still need at least another five top class players to rival City for real squad depth and that needs to be said, even as good as our seventeen are.

      1. Some players can play in different positions. Eg Zinch for Midfield and LB so we could argue we have cover for most positions…

        But yes Partey doesnt have any competition..that the only spot I think ..though Ramsdale also doesnt have proven cover in Turner

    2. So 👍 true. Competition is healthy for these young lads.
      None more than KT and Ben White already know this…

  3. Partey and Xhaka are playing sharp without anyone pushing them
    But we need cover for them..like for like
    How come Wenger and Emery didn’t play Xhaka in a free role and why didn’t Arteta do it last season…?

    1. Don’t think we really had the confidence and players on the park we do now, Saliba has made a huge difference in solidity in back and Jesus has encouraged the attacking line to push harder… Partey certainly needs competition but I think our best defense is going to be attacking the potential threats…something Zinchenko, Xhaka, Saliba, Martinelli, KT and Jesus seem to sniff and disrupt pretty quickly….Maybe just an enforcer high up pitch maybe all we need for the big English games… and Viera given more games in mid thoughts?

  4. I’m very impressed with Xhaka this season. First, it isn’t easy to come back into the good graces of gooners and he has done so in my estimation and from conversations with other fans. Then you add in his superb form to begin this campaign and the way he has the ear and respect of all the first teamers. After Saliba’s goal to take us up 1-0 in Brentford it was Xhaka barking at the team to finish up the celebration with a tactical huddle. And every player turned to him and listened.

  5. I want him to extend his contract with us.. For all the years we have waited for him to peak like he is doing right now.. it is only fair he gives us a couple more seasons..

  6. Xhaka is becoming a mainstay in our young squad.. let’s forget the past Sins of unnecessary red cards n stupid penalties which continually pegged us down the table. Arteta man management is topnotch and he deserves the applause🤝 We need Fofana to share d Dm role with partey and Milenkovic Savic to share Xhakas CM role and Gokpe on Martinelli position in case of injuries and suspension which r honestly inevitable✅

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