Danny Murphy has praised Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka on talkSPORT despite not being his fan previously.
The former Liverpool midfielder has praised Xhaka for sticking to Arsenal and being brave enough to stay at the Emirates Stadium despite controversies.
Xhaka did not take Arsenal fans’ jeering of him well back in October 2019, as reported by talkSPORT.
TalkSPORT have also reported that the 28-year-old midfielder was close to joining Hertha Berlin in January 2020 and was on the verge of a transfer to AS Roma this summer.
Instead, the midfielder is now set to sign a new contract with Arsenal, according to The Guardian.
Murphy told talkSPORT about Xhaka: “I’ve never been his biggest fan I have to say. I don’t think at times his manager used to help him I don’t mean Arteta but before then when he used to play him on his own in the holding role when he’s got a lack of athleticism.
“I have to say, since those incidents you’re talking about, the character he has shown to comeback and also comeback fitter, more determined, more disciplined, he deserves great credit.
“It’s nice to see that someone doesn’t jump ship when things arent going so well. To be fair to him I think he will benefit hugely when Thomas Partey gets fully fit.”
Important player for Arsenal
Xhaka is not necessarily the best and most gifted midfielder in the world, but he is a hard-working player who gives his all on the pitch.
The Switzerland international was a regular for Arsenal last season and did well for his national team at Euro 2020 this summer.
The 28-year-old made 29 starts in the Premier League and played 10 Europa League matches for the Gunners last season.
Xhaka – who cost Arsenal £30 million when they signed him from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2016, as reported by Sky Sports at the time – is at the top of his game now.
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