Granit Xhaka has even converted Paul Merson into a believer following his performances for Arsenal this season.
The Gunners sit top of the Premier League standings and although the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus steal the headlines most weeks, don’t ignore Xhaka’s contribution.
In a slightly more advanced midfield role, the Switzerland international is blossoming into one heck of a player for Arsenal, scoring two goals – including one against Spurs – and setting up three more in all competitions.
Back in 2019, Merson slammed the former Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder, telling Sky Sports via Football London: “I don’t know. I honestly sit here and I don’t know what he brings to the party.”
However, Merson is clearly a believer these days by virtue of what he has said about Xhaka – who cost £30 million in 2016 [Sky Sports] – now.
He told Sportskeeda: “Granit Xhaka has been absolutely outstanding this season. He’s been played further forward, and he’s been reliable – all of them have been.”
In fairness to Xhaka, he’s making a lot of people eat humble pie this season because honestly, Merson isn’t the only one to do a u-turn on the player.
Nowadays, it’s clear as day what he brings to this Arsenal side and you have to say, Mikel Arteta has pulled a masterstroke in not only keeping him in North London, even when the player himself wanted to leave, but shaping him to be one of the team’s most influential members.
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