The remarkable revival of Granit Xhaka

When Granit Xhaka moved to Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach, it was seen as a major coup. As one of the most in-demand midfielders in Germany, the Swiss international had many admirers. In fact, many Liverpool fans at the time were querying why their Bundesliga-minded coach, Jurgen Klopp, never made a move for the Foals midfielder dynamo. His first year in England, though, perhaps showed why: the perception of Xhaka was wrong.

In England, many viewed him as an aggressive ball-winner. Someone who could press and harry the opposition, and cause a real stink in the middle of the park. That, though, has long been proven to not be the case. Though aggressive in the tackle, his lack of defensive discipline meant he was a regular fouler and thus someone who spent a needless amount of time suspended. Under Arsene Wenger, the Swiss international suffered from the same issues as many other Gunners plays: he lacked development.

Ever since the introduction of Unai Emery, though, there’s been much more control in the game of Xhaka. His revival this season has arguably seen him one of the most important players in an Arsenal shirt, turning in regularly impressive performances for the North London outfit this season, which has seen them jump into contention for a top four spot.

Improved discipline, better results

Part of what has changed for Xhaka is that he tackles in less damaging situations. He picks his moments better, and goes to ground a lot less than he once did. Though he still gives away too many fouls, and he still perhaps shoots from distance too often, he is improving all the time. His decision making has become far more fluent, and his decisions to shoot are often as a result of it being a decent option.

In his first season or so in North London, Xhaka would regularly waste good moments of possession. His passing, too, was often quite erratic. Today, his long passing is far more in sync with what you would expect from an Arsenal midfielder. Capable of playing long and short passes with consummate ease, he’s become a much more important part of the Arsenal midfield.

It’s easy to see why, too. His ability to split the opposition open and to split the play has become an essential cog in the team. Good in the air, too, he’s someone who has become far more impressive as a defensive player, as well. In the past, he tackled like an aggressive striker; committed, but often out of sync with the play and the situation of the game. Now? He’s far more reserved, and tackles when it makes sense.

His set-piece strength, too, makes him an excellent option for Arsenal as well. With much improved decision making, tacking, defensive contribution and playmaking control, Xhaka is easily one of the most improved players in the league. For many Arsenal fans, he was on the list of players that Unai Emery would do well to shift. Now, he looks like an Arsenal midfielder for many years to come.

Featured Image Credit: “Granit Xhaka” (CC BY 2.0) by Shotboxer Portland