Arsenal: Granit Xhaka Was Never Going To Be Patrick Vieira

Arsenal’s spinning wheel of criticism continues for Granit Xhaka, who has now been told he’ll never be Patrick Vieira. So what?

When Granit Xhaka first arrived at Arsenal, there were the initial comparisons. Everyone has to be compared to an Invincible. I don’t know why, it just has to happen. Alexis is Henry. Ozil is Bergkamp. Apparently Xhaka was supposed to be Xhaka in this wonderful, Broadway production of “The Invincibles”.

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However, before he could even memorize his lines, the role has been ripped from him as numerous opinions out there are belittling him and reminding him that he will never be Patrick Vieira.

But there are so many holes in this argument. First of all, that isn’t a slight on Xhaka at all. Saying someone won’t be Patrick Vieira is saying they will never be an invincible legend. That is a mighty big mantle and something that no one should expect to be.

Secondly, it’s a bit early, don’t you think? Vieira had himself a few gaffs in his time too. I can’t help but believe that we will all look back at Xhaka in a few years and smile at what he used to be and how far he comes. This criticism is far too hasty to be substantiated. He’s only 24 years of age and could feasibly be with the club for another decade given the right circumstances.

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Thirdly, they are two different players. Xhaka does not have the athleticism of Vieira, nor did Vieira have the passing scope of Xhaka. Xhaka also can’t tackle like the Frenchman, but his intelligence is second to none (minus the impetuousness).

They have their similarities in positioning, versatility and talent, but it was an unfair comparison for Xhaka from the start. This was the definition of setting the bar too high.

Can we all just calm down a bit about the Swiss? It’s been half a season and we have seen some fantastic play. Those brief little slip ups, despite how crucial, do not rob him of all credit. We gave Mesut Ozil 18 months to get into Premier League shape, so we can, at the very least, give Xhaka a year.

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What we have in Xhaka is the blueprint for the complete midfielder. Maybe he won’t have the athleticism of Vieira, who was the absolute most complete midfielder ever, but he certainly has his claim to fame. He is going to be special. Just give it time.