Former Arsenal defender Sokratis has told Football London that Granit Xhaka is one of the very best midfielders he has ever played alongside.
Xhaka came under fire at Arsenal at the weekend, as he made a calamitous error in the Gunners’ game against Burnley.
The Swiss international does have his critics at the Emirates Stadium, but he has been a key player under three different managers now.
And Sokratis insists that Xhaka is a huge talent, and remains a ‘leader’ in the Arsenal dressing room.
“Granit is one of the best team-mates I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” the centre-back said.
“He’s a very important player for Arsenal and I believe that he’s a good player who can be a leader in the team.
“When you make one mistake everybody will go against you, but I know Granit’s character.
“Before the Burnley game he played five or six games where he was probably the best player in the team.
“I think he’s one of Arsenal’s best players and certainly one of the best midfielders that I’ve played with.”
Sokratis will actually come up against Arsenal tomorrow, when Mikel Arteta’s side take on Olympiacos.
The powerful defender is expected to start against his former side in the Europa League.
Xhaka also looks a likely starter for Arsenal, with Arteta placing a big importance on the competition.
Arsenal’s best route into the Champions League next season looks to be by winning the Europa League, and they go into the game against the Greek side as favourites to progress.
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