Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has praised Mikel Arteta for dropping him to the bench at Bodo/Glimt. The Swiss star feels the Europa League tie gave him an ideal chance for a rest.
Xhaka has been one of the Gunners’ star performers so far this season as an integral piece of Arteta’s plans. The 30-year-old has played all but two minutes of their table-topping run in the Premier League. He has also found the back of the net twice and created three goals.
- WORLD CUP: WHEN IS THE OPENING GAME? ALL OF THE KEY DATES FOR QATAR 2022
- WORLD CUP: LUKA MODRIC AND LIONEL MESSI AMONG ALL 10 GOLDEN BALL WINNERS
Arteta has seldom removed Xhaka from his starting line-up in Europe, as well. The 106-cap technician has led Arsenal out of the tunnel during four Group A games so far. He has only not started in this month’s 1-0 win over Bodo/Glimt when featuring for the final half-hour.
Arteta has impressed Xhaka with the Arsenal boss’ ability to manage his workload
So, Arteta has played Xhaka for 1,168 of a potential 1,260 minutes across all competitions in Arsenal’s games this term. But the Switzerland captain has no concerns that he is being overworked in north London. Nor is Xhaka worried about the upcoming Qatar World Cup.
“I am feeling very good,” Xhaka said, as quoted by the Evening Standard. “Of course, every time you win it makes it a little bit easier. But, yeah, I am not worried about the minutes, or the World Cup, or the future. I don’t think it’s about my games at the moment
“I’ve been here seven years and my numbers speak for themselves. The numbers I’ve got for this football club, how many games I have had in seven years. I calculated maybe two years ago that I’m playing 45 games a season.
“It’s a number I had always in the past as well. Really, I’m not thinking about a break. Mikel is the boss, he decides when to take me out and when not to. He did against Bodo, it was maybe perfect timing to give me a bit of a rest. Games like this, everyone wants to play.”
Xhaka has almost played 50% of his 2021/22 minute total already this term
Xhaka’s 1,168 minutes of action from 14 fixtures put the Arsenal star on course to better his 2021/22 tally. Arteta fielded the Swiss for 2,456 minutes through 30 matches across all competitions last term. He also offered a goal and two assists last season, all in the league.
The absence of European fixtures at the Emirates Stadium last season saw Xhaka feature in 15 fewer games than during 2020/21. He played 45 times in all competitions over Arsenal’s last season with Europa League football. That term also saw him hit a goal and two assists.
Arsene Wenger’s £35m signing from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016 has not given two or more goals in a single season since 2018/19. He hit four through the term alongside five assists in 40 games. He also hit four in 2016/17, while 2017/18 offered his most assists (8).
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
