Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has raved about Granit Xhaka to the club’s official website.
Arteta has praised the midfielder for the impact he has made on the team and the way he has re-established himself in the starting lineup.
The Arsenal head coach also believes that the Gunners’ fans are appreciative of the 27-year-old’s commitment and have got over the controversy from earlier this season.
Xhaka was involved in a huge controversy back in October 2019. As reported by Sky Sports, the Switzerland international gestured towards the Arsenal fans and swore at them after he was jeered as he was being substituted against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Unai Emery was in charge of the North London club at the time, and since Arteta was appointed in the role, the midfielder has re-established himself in the team and has been playing well.
Arteta told Arsenal’s official website: “The challenge with Granit was to convince him that there was still a place for him here, that I had big belief in him and that things can turn around pretty quickly in this industry.
“He had to send the right messages, first of all he had to believe that he could do it and if that was the case we were going to support him all the way through.
“I am really glad to hear and sense as well the reaction from the fans towards him. I think they can appreciate what he has done, that’s in the past and there’s a lot of positives to take from difficult situations.
“We all learn from that and I think he is a really good example for any player that is in a difficult moment… If you are willing and if you are consistent and you really want to do it there is always a way back.”
Stats
According to WhoScored, Xhaka has scored one goal and provided two assists in 29 Premier League appearances for Arsenal this season.
The midfielder has also played four times in the Europa League and five times in the FA Cup for the Gunners this campaign, according to WhoScored.
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