Mikel Arteta told his post-match press conference on Sunday that Granit Xhaka ‘keeps going’ even when he is ‘so tired’.
The 28-year-old has been a marmite-like figure with the Arsenal fans, but in recent weeks, his relationship with those in North London has been on the up.
Xhaka has been a regular since Arteta’s arrival and it seems his character plays a big part in the combative midfielder being popular with the Spaniard.
After Xhaka helped Arsenal record a much-needed and valuable 3-1 win at Leicester on Sunday, his manager had nothing but high praise for the player.
“You see (Xhaka’s influence),” said Arteta. “You have to put an example on that pitch about character, about going to every single ball with that determination. Probably it’s him.
“He has played more minutes than anybody else but he keeps going even when he is so tired and try to help the team in the right way.”
Before Arteta’s arrival, it seemed as though Xhaka’s career in North London was coming to an end.
Well, even the Crystal Palace supporters though that on that infamous day.
But Xhaka deserves huge credit for changing his fortunes around at the club, as they chase a European finish and a trophy (Europa League) at the end of the season.
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