Dion Dublin has shared that he has changed his mind about Granit Xhaka and he now understands why Arsenal ‘would never let him go’, as he told Football Focus on BBC iPlayer.
There aren’t many players who have had a rollercoaster time in Arsenal colours than Granit Xhaka, who Dublin shared was once a ‘liability’, but now he has seen a different side to him, including during the Amazon All or Nothing documentary.
From his several sending-offs to being stripped of the captain’s armband, the 30-year-old has faced it all at the Emirates, but it might just get better from here on in.
Mikel Arteta’s side are sitting at the top of the Premier League table after ten games, and regardless of their result against Southampton on Sunday, they will remain top of the tree.
But with Manchester City beating Brighton on Saturday, the pressure is now back on the Gunners to restore their lead at the top to four points.
Nonetheless, when talking about Xhaka’s performance this season, former Aston Villa and Manchester United striker Dion Dublin was full of praise for the hard-hitting midfielder, including plaudits from former Brighton man, Glenn Murray.
“I was in the camp of ‘oh, he’s a liability, he’s doing this wrong again, red card again or he’s left his team in the lurch’,” said Dublin.
“Now that I have seen his performances turn the way that Mikel Arteta is managing him. He is playing with a smile on his face. The documentary as well. I have seen a personal side to Xhaka. I know why now Arsenal would never let him go because he is brilliant behind-closed-doors. He is great with the kids and great for the team. I didn’t know that before, open your mind up a bit, give him a chance, he’s a good bloke and he’s good for Arsenal.”
Murray added: “I am in Dion’s camp. I thought he was out of the door on a number of occasions for Arsenal. I always wondered why he played better for Switzerland. But that little tweak in what Mikel Arteta asked of him. He plays a little bit further forward and more creative.
“Arteta seemed to have said ‘I want you to stay and lead the group’ and it seems as though he is thriving with that.”
WHAT CAN ARSENAL ACHIEVE?
Given that Arsenal are sitting at the top of the Premier League table, then it is making fans believe that they can do the unthinkable.
At this moment in time, it’s about just putting those wins on the board, showcasing their power and making sure they do the bare minimum, which is secure Champions League football.
But what a story it would be if Xhaka is lifting the Premier League title for Arsenal in May or even during these coming seasons?
That would seriously complete a drama-filled story for the £30 million star (Sky Sports), who will go from disgraced captain to club legend.
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