As 2022 is coming to a close, we decided to assess the 3 most improved Arsenal players during the calendar year.
Who were the 3 most improved Arsenal players in 2022?
1. The all-improved Granit Xhaka in 2022
The fact that Granit Xhaka being one of the most in-form midfielders in the Premier League this season is not a ludicrous statement speaks volumes about how far he has come.
As recently as last season, several Arsenal fans were crying out for an upgrade on the Swiss international.
While many may still believe that Mikel Arteta’s men could find a better alternative to the 30-year-old, it is widely acknowledged that he has become one of the side’s best players.
Operating in a more advanced role, Xhaka is stitching the attack in the final third and making smart third man runs, a facet of his game that has never been witnessed before.
The £35 million man (BBC Sport) is no longer the wildcard in the middle of the park, once labelled as a “disgrace” by Gary Neville (via Sky Sports) and is looking like a complete different animal in an advanced No.8 role.
Chipping in with 3 goals and 3 assists in the league while he has been at it, the all-action midfielder is in the form of his life.
Imagine saying that in 2021.
2. Thomas Partey has become one of the best in the business
On December 6th 2021, Thomas Partey told Sky Sports that he would personally rate his displays since joining Arsenal at a lowly 4/10.
While some may say injuries played a major part in the Ghanaian international’s stop-start progress, there was no denying that he flattered to deceive on several occasions at the club.
This season in particular, Partey has been justifying the hype around his name since stepping foot in North London from Atletico Madrid.
The 29-year-old has thrived as a lone defensive midfielder, while his passing and ability to carry the ball from deeper areas has been a reminder of how well-rounded his game is.
There is an argument to suggest that Partey has been the best No.6 in the league this campaign, which tells you how far he has come.
3. Arsenal wonderkid Gabriel Martinelli could be the best in his position in the Premier League
If the Brazilian was a class act last season, he has now evolved into arguably the best winger in the English top-flight.
Gabriel Martinelli has been devastating to witness, beating players for fun, making astute runs in behind and just being an all-round nightmare for defenders.
Alongside Bukayo Saka, there simply isn’t a more frightening wing duo in the Premier League.
Coming-of-age displays such as against Liverpool in the Gunners’ 3-2 win just showcase that the 21-year-old is truly in his element and currently, his ceiling looks limitless.
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