Andros Townsend thinks Granit Xhaka has had ‘unfair criticism’ during his time at Arsenal, as he praised the midfielder at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Thursday.
The Everton winger, who is recovering from a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury, was doing commentary duty for ITV Sport during their coverage of Switzerland v Cameroon from Group G.
Xhaka may no longer don the captain’s armband at club level, but he remains the skipper for his country and he led them out against Rigobert Song’s side today.
It has been a season of redemption from Xhaka at Arsenal and a big turnaround from that player that once was booed off by his own fans against Crystal Palace.
The 30-year-old has always been a marmite-like figure and Townsend commented on the player during Switzerland v Cameroon at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“To be fair, he has always been a big influence,” said Townsend. “I think he has had some unfair criticism at times, a few years ago, during his early years at Arsenal.
“But always, every time I have played against him, he has been a presence in that midfield and an anchor for the attacking players ahead of him.”
XHAKA PROVING DOUBTERS WRONG
Many could have walked away from the position Xhaka found himself in once upon a time at Arsenal.
And whilst it was a pretty rocky road for the player, he showcased his strong mental character, picked himself up and is now performing week in and week out.
He has played a big role behind Mikel Arteta’s side sitting at the top of the Premier League table and he will now be hoping to push dark horses Switzerland as deep as they can go at the FIFA World Cup.
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