Jamie O’Hara has praised Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka and claimed that he is playing like Real Madrid legend, Guti, as he told talkSPORT.
Who would have thought it? All those times Xhaka was taking an early shower because he had yet another brain freeze on the field of play, that he would one day be compared to one of Real Madrid’s stylistic midfielders.
Hard-hitting, aggression and a gritty nature to his game, that’s what has usually been associated with Xhaka, but the 30-year-old is bringing a totally different energy to his game this season.
Rather than mirroring Arsenal’s backline, Xhaka, whilst still playing a deep role alongside Thomas Partey, has pushed further forward during this campaign and he is making the ball talk like never before.
His driving runs, the ability to make space for others, composure in the final third and an eye for goal are all coming to show as Arsenal proudly sit at the top of the Premier League table.
Sitting on the side of the fence of north London, former midfielder O’Hara praised the work that is being done and noted only one concern for the club – their lack of squad depth.
“Fair play to them, 5-0 (against Forest), they are doing well,” said O’Hara. “They are consistent, aren’t they?!
“Martinelli is a top player. Saka and Jesus. Xhaka looks like Guti. They look really good. Fair play to Arteta. It’s just the squad, for me, I know Reiss Nelson came on and scored a couple of goals.”
STILL A LONG WAY TO GO…
During the Premier League era, only Newcastle United, under the stewardship of Kevin Keegan, have missed out on winning the Premier League title when on this amount of points after 12 matches (31pts).
It was Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United chasing down and mentally breaking Newcastle back then, whilst Arsenal have to deal with the dominant Manchester City.
Only Man United have won three Premier League titles in a row and now Pep Guardiola is on the cusp of creating further history.
Either way, pre-World Cup, those at the Emirates have stuck their chests out and showcased their worth, well, if they continue down that road post-Qatar, then this could prove to be a very special season for the club.
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