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Xhakaboom: Granit Xhaka proud of new nickname

Arsenal's Granit Xhaka celebrates scoring their fourth goal (REUTERS)
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The Arsenal fans have given the midfielder the nickname following his long range goals in recent weeks.

Arsenal's Mesut Ozil celebrates scoring their third goal with Granit XhakaArsenal’s Mesut Ozil celebrates scoring their third goal with Granit Xhaka

Arsenal summer signing Granit Xhaka has told the London Evening Standard it is special for him that the club’s fans have already given him his own nickname.

The midfielder arrived at the Emirates in the summer transfer window in a big money move from Borussia Monchengladbach.

There was great expectation surrounding his arrival, with Gunners fans hoping he would add the steel that has long been missing from their midfield.

He has more than lived up to those expectations with a series of impressive performances in the Arsenal midfield so far.

Arsenal's Granit Xhaka celebrates scoring their fourth goalArsenal’s Granit Xhaka celebrates scoring their fourth goal

What has taken viewers by surprise is his ability to score goals from distance, with him bagging long-range strikes against both Hull and Nottingham Forest.

Those goals have seen fans give him the nickname of ‘Xhakaboom’ and it is something he is more than happy to have.

“That’s really special, Xhakaboom. I don’t know where the ‘boom’ comes from; maybe it’s because of my shots,” he told the London Evening Standard.

“To have a nickname like that so early on makes me proud. I’m not somebody who will score a goal every weekend, but I’m always proud and happy when I do score – and if it’s from long range, then it makes me even happier.”

Arsenal's Granit Xhaka scores their first goalArsenal’s Granit Xhaka scores their first goal

A look at the stats shows that Xhaka has certainly made a strong start to life at Arsenal this season.

Of the clubs midfielders he is top when it comes to tackles won and second for both interceptions won and ball recoveries.

Those are impressive stats and if he continues to show his goalscoring ability also, he will look more like a bargain than he already does.

Arsenal's Granit XhakaArsenal’s Granit Xhaka