Wenger finally proven right about Xhaka as Arsenal comment surfaces

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Arsene Wenger has finally been proven right about Granit Xhaka at Arsenal. Wenger once revealed what he thought was the midfielder’s best role in the team and that has now come to fruition.

Xhaka is undoubtedly enjoying the best spell of his Arsenal career so far. After joining the club from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016, his relationship with the supporters never got off the ground.

His disciplinary record often led to strong criticism from both in and outside the Gunners fanbase. Unai Emery’s decision to appoint Xhaka captain in September 2019 was met with huge scepticism and he was stripped of the role less than six weeks later after a public falling out with supporters, who booed him off during a 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace.

Xhaka came close to leaving on more than one occasion but was convinced to stay by current boss Mikel Arteta. His position in the team has been questioned by many as recently as the start of this season.

Xhaka outlines Arsenal's aims for new Premier League season

A large number of Arsenal fans wanted to see the 30-year-old replaced in the summer transfer window. But he is now flourishing in a new role in the team.

With Thomas Partey occupying the deeper-lying midfield position, Xhaka and Martin Odegaard are further up the pitch as two No 8s. Xhaka can now play in the position he has more often than not starred in for Switzerland.

And his recent form shows Wenger was right all along about the Swiss star. The Frenchman said in 2016: “I personally prefer him as a box-to-box player. Because he has the engine, he has the power, he has the long pass.

“He likes to come deep and distribute the game, but he has the engine to have the impact with his runs. It’s not about his quality at the moment – he adapts to the pace of the English game – and for me it’s about pairs as well, who work together.

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“He will play games; every week he’s stronger and better. He will have a huge impact.”

Wenger, Emery and Arteta were often forced to play Xhaka in holding midfield during his first six seasons at the club. But he is now enjoying a new lease of life.

For the first time, his name is being sung both home and away by the Arsenal faithful. He picked up the club’s Player of the Month award on Monday, as well as being named man of the match following his goal in the north London derby win over Tottenham on Saturday.

It has taken over six years for Arsenal fans to fall for Xhaka. But after 250 appearances, he finally seems to have captured their hearts.

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