Martin Keown has said on BT Sport 1 (9:13pm, April 11, 2021) that Granit Xhaka played well for Arsenal as a left-back against Sheffield United.
Kieran Tierney is the first-choice left-back at Arsenal, but the Scotland international is injured at the moment.
Xhaka is a midfielder by trade, but the Switzerland international was deployed at left-back against the Blades.
Arsenal legend Keown was impressed by the performance from the 28-year-old, as Mikel Arteta’s side won 3-0 to maintain their (slim) chances of finishing in the Premier League top four.
Keown said about Xhaka on BT Sport 1 (9:13pm, April 11, 2021): “It will be interesting where Xhaka plays in midweek. The thing is his performances have grown. He did pretty well at left-back.”
How did Granit Xhaka play against Sheffield United?
Xhaka has done well in central midfield alongside Thomas Partey this season, and not many would have expected Arteta to deploy the 28-year-old at left-back against the Blades.
The Switzerland international played it safe at the back, did not take too many risks, and did not venture out forward.
According to WhoScored, the 28-year-old had a pass accuracy of 94.9%, won one header, took 88 touches, and made one tackle and three clearances.
With Tierney out against Slavia Prague on Thursday evening, Xhaka could well play at left-back in the Europa League game.
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