Jamie O’Hara has lavished praise on Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, claiming that he’s been more influential this season than Granit Xhaka of Arsenal.
Xhaka has been winning the hearts of many-an-Arsenal supporter who doubted him, with Mikel Arteta gifting the Switzerland international a slightly more advanced midfield role.
And it’s working, with the former Gunners’ captain scoring once and setting up three goals in seven Premier League outings this season.
Even Garth Crooks has changed his tune about the man who is now one of Arteta’s most important players.
However, Hojbjerg is also flourishing under Tottenham boss Antonio Conte, scoring twice and setting up another in the same amount of appearances as Xhaka.
Here’s what O’Hara said about the former Southampton midfielder – a £15 million signing under Jose Mourinho – on talkSPORT last night. He said: “Hojbjerg has been unbelievable this season.”
When co-host Jason Cundy claimed that the Denmark international hasn’t been better than the Arsenal player, O’Hara stated: “Oh he has! Hojbjerg has been awesome this season. Awesome. Jase, you don’t watch Tottenham.”
There’s no doubt that Xhaka and Hojbjerg have been very influential figures for their respective North London side.
And interestingly, the two come up against each other next Saturday.
On October 1, Spurs visit their local rivals for a North London derby at the Emirates Stadium and with Arsenal top of the Premier League table, and the Lilywhites still unbeaten this season, well it promises to be a fascinating contest and the winner could well be determined by which midfielder plays the better game.
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