Xhaka was taking part in a Twitter Q&A and says the Frenchman is a Gunners legend.
Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka celebrates scoring their fourth goal
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has revealed he sees former Gunners hero Patrick Vieira as his biggest inspiration in a Twitter Q&A with the club.
The Switzerland international has settled into life at the Emirates extremely well following his big-money move from Borussia Monchengladbach for £34m this summer.
Not only has he added more bite and composure to Arsene Wenger’s midfield but he’s shown he has an eye for goal with two fantastic strikes in the wins against Hull City and Nottingham Forest.
The 24-year-old has clearly impressed Arsenal fans with his ability and he says he views former Invincible Vieira as the perfect player to model his game on, telling the club: “Well there are a lot of legends at this club, so I wouldn’t want to highlight one but if I have to I’d go for Patrick Vieira.
FC Basel’s Renato Steffen and Taulant Xhaka with his brother Granit Xhaka of Arsenal after the match
“He played in my position, so that’s why I’ll select him.”
Xhaka may not have been a regular starter for Wenger with the man himself admitting he views Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin as his first-choice partnership, but he’s started the last three of The Gunners’ matches as he continues to find his feet in English football.
With competition for places fierce at the Emirates, the Swiss is relishing the fight to force himself into the starting 11 on a permanent basis and is very happy to have made the move to North London.
Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka scores their first goal
“I’m really enjoying it here. Everything goes as planned, and things are really well planned here, regardless of if we are playing home or away.
“You can see it’s a club with a lot of class and that shows with everything. I’m very proud to play for such a club, to be a Gunner.
“That makes me doubly proud to have joined this team. It’s the perfect path.”
Watford’s Odion Ighalo in action with Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka
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