Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka given ‘Chumbawamba’ kudos after turning career around
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has, quite rightly, received plenty of plaudits this season – but the finest of which may have come from former Tottenham and Liverpool striker Peter Crouch.
The Switzerland captain has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance this season, having previously found himself in the firing line of stinging criticism from pundits and his own fan-base. However, he has thrived in a slightly more advanced position under Mikel Arteta, contributing three goals and three assists in 11 Premier League appearances this season.
He has started every single domestic match for the Gunners this season, who currently still have their noses in front of Manchester City in the table. And Crouch heralded the former Borussia Monchengladbach ace with ‘Chumbawamba kudos'.
READ MORE: Jordan Henderson escapes FA charge over Gabriel confrontation as 'no case to answer'
“I’m thinking of Granit Xhaka,” Crouch said to ‘That Peter Crouch podcast’, when asked about players who made great ‘Chumbawambas’ – referencing the hit song about getting knocked down and back up again. “I’m looking at that like, ‘there was no way back there’.
“You know, he threw his shirt, the armband, he had a reaction from the crowd. Very, very rarely do you see a home crowd against a player like that and then come back from it.
“And to come back in the manner he has come back, certainly this season is a credit to him really, and shows the strength of character.” ‘Chumbawamba’ is a phrase coined by Crouch, inspired by the iconic band who released timeless classic 'Tubthumping', used to describe a player who has, to quote the lyrics of the song 'been knocked down but got back up again'.
What do you make of Granit Xhaka's 'Chumbawamba' back into the Arsenal team? Let us know in the comments section below
Xhaka’s Arsenal career appeared to be over when he was stripped of the captaincy, shortly after throwing the armband and his shirt to the ground, when he was jeered off the Emirates pitch by the Arsenal fans. However, not only did he reclaim his first team position and the trust of the Gunners’ faithful, he has even worn the armband when Martin Odegaard has been unavailable.
And Crouch hailed the 30-year-old’s character for ‘Chumbawamba’ing’ back into the Arsenal team. “I do,” Crouch replied, when asked if he feels his new responsibilities under Arteta have contributed to his improvement.
“I also think to take to the pitch again after that and probably get booed, and the abuse he maybe from outside to his family, to come back from that is a big task and it takes a big character to do that. So Chumbawumba kudos to Granit Xhaka.”
READ NEXT:
Man Utd and Liverpool to suffer much worse than rivals over manic Christmas spell
Youri Tielemans 'should be heading for Arsenal' at the end of the season for free
Arsenal 'to bankroll January splurge for at least two stars' as title battle heats up
Source: Read Full Article