Arsenal legend Ian Wright has admitted that he has been proven completely and utterly wrong by Granit Xhaka.
The £30 million (Sky Sports) man has been one of the Premier League’s biggest surprise packages this season, as he has found a new lease of a life as an advanced left-sided midfielder.
Ian Wright has given Granit Xhaka the credit he deserves for his commendable turnaround in an Arsenal shirt and held his hands up.
Ian Wright admits he was wrong about Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka
While Xhaka always possessed quality, it was frustrating to witness him get drawn into scuffles on the pitch and make mindless challenges that led to sending offs.
Even the Swiss international’s displays were hot and cold, and it seemed to the masses that players such as him were holding the club back.
However, as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta decided to move Granit Xhaka up the pitch this campaign, he has shone with Ian Wright apologising for writing him off.
“Who has been the surprise? I’d probably say Granit Xhaka. He’s been a brilliant servant to the club to this point. Every manager has trusted him. He’s magnificent in the dressing room. This season with Mikel using him as more of an attacking force, what you’re seeing now is that he doesn’t get involved in fouls and that stuff, that wasn’t the strength of his game.”
Ian Wright elaborated on the brilliance of Granit Xhaka for Arsenal in the ongoing season, saying, “He’s one of the driving forces of the team and I’m very pleased that Mikel has recognised that in him and he’s turned into the player where it would be tough for us to put a side out where we need anything and he’s not in it.”
“I was one of his critics, you’d see him make mistakes that you make when you’re not in the right position. I’ve eaten a lot of humble pie over Xhaka and I’ve got no problem with that because he’s come and he’s proved a lot of people wrong”, Wright said on Optus Sport.
In all fairness, many would have sided with Ian Wright over his verdict about Granit Xhaka and his time at Arsenal.
However, Xhaka has silenced his doubters this season, which is what all top players tend to do.
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