Paul Scholes has admitted that he never always liked Granit Xhaka as a player, but now he ‘really likes’ the Arsenal midfielder, as he told Premier League Productions (04/09/22 at 1:30 pm).
The Manchester United legend added that Xhaka is like ‘the coach’ out on the pitch for Mikel Arteta’s side and someone who keeps the youngsters in line.
Throughout his Arsenal career, Xhaka has been a marmite-like figure, and in truth, that will probably continue until the day he heads for the Emirates Stadium exit door.
A player of high-quality leadership skills, unquestionable commitment and bravery on the ball, he also has had his dark side, from his poor decision-making to rash challenges.
But a lot of that dark side is slowly seeping out of his game and Arteta is starting to shine the light on the player because, during these past 18 months, he has been outstanding.
Scholes was a master technician in the middle of the park during his hay day and he changed his mind on Xhaka and shared what he now likes about him.
“I wouldn’t say I have always liked him,” said Scholes. “I think he has repaired that damage with Arsenal and the fans.
“But from seeing him late, especially the last four or five games, he has real quality as well. I think people don’t think like that. He has a lovely left foot. He can play nice passes. He plays the position really well and he has been getting forward a lot more than usual.
“I really like him. He’s a really good footballer. He’s the type, as we said with Casemiro, that type of leader in the dressing room. Drives standards every day in the dressing room, I would have thought, without knowing him.
“On the football pitch, he has done great and I really like him. He’s that coach on the football pitch. He’s the one where the younger players, he brings them together, keep them in line and make sure they are doing what they are doing every week.”
CAN XHAKA GUIDE ARSENAL BACK TO THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE?
It would be something if Xhaka could play a key role in this ever-progressing Arsenal team returning to the Champions League and then pushing beyond that target.
From that infamous moment against Crystal Palace to now becoming a key figure under Arteta, just before the former Manchester City coach replaced Unai Emery, it seemed as though Xhaka’s career in north London was over.
But Arteta also deserves praise for how he has helped the player get up from the canvas and improve his game to the best it has been since he has been at the club.
However, throughout the season, there will be a number of pressure moments Arsenal have to deal with if they are to finish in the top-four because they fell at the last hurdle, through their own fault, last season.
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