Granit Xhaka still has a lot to offer at Arsenal By SK
Watching Xhaka getting booked in the game against Lincoln FC, could have annoyed not a few Arsenal fans. Ever since he became an Arsenal player, Xhaka has been issued eight yellow cards and two red cards making him the most booked Arsenal player this season. He hardly plays a game without being booked and many are wondering if we should have bought him at the first place.
Granit Xhaka was signed just before the beginning of this season and the Swiss international has struggled to impress Arsenal fans since his 35 million pounds move from Borussia Monchengladbach. Perhaps, this was what prompted Omar Hitzfeld, the ex-Bayern manager to suggest his former club could buy him and help him improve on his game further.
Speaking to sportBild (via goal.com), he is quoted as saying this concerning Xhaka: “Bayern Munich certainly has Xhaka on the radar. Xhaka is always an interesting topic of conversation for current top clubs and his development is not yet completed.” Mr. Hitzfeld maybe right but are we willing to let Xhaka leave, just a season after coming to Arsenal?
The Midfielder’s discipline has been the highlight of contention this season but his eyes for a good pass and his tackling ability is something we can still utilize to our advantage in future seasons. We needed a player who will not be scared to go for the tackle and we have one in him. Although he has a rough way of playing, a good coach can still bring out the good side of his game. I won’t forget the powerful shots he has in those legs of his. This midfielder is the big deal and we must not let him go.
I can understand Bayern’s situation if they come looking for him; Xabi Alonso announced he will retire at the end of the season and the German Champions will be looking for a new playmaker once the ex-Liverpool ace hangs up his boots but we need Xhaka more than they need him, that was why we splashed huge amount of money to buy him. Big clubs don’t sell big players! Xhaka is a big match player, all we need to do is to ask for a coach who can bring out the best in him, is that too much for us to ask?
Sylvester