Arsenal: Granit Xhaka thunderstorm has finally subsided

Arsenal made a fantastic signing last summer in Granit Xhaka, despite the outcry against his initial outings. Now all of that has passed.

Arsenal finally solved a massive, decade-long problem when the signed Granit Xhaka. They got a controlling force in the midfield that would finally stop the current crop from getting bullied by just every other midfield in the world.

The problem was the supporters wanted a wrecking ball like N’Golo Kante, who would storm about the middle of the pitch, winning the ball back and looking like a hero. Something like a Francis Coquelin. Or at least that’s that they thought they wanted, because the outcry against Granit Xhaka caused one hell of a thunderstorm. There were ridiculous calls for him to be sold immediately.

All because he took a bit of time settling. It was a bit of a storm that didn’t need to happen and Arsene Wenger was right to stand by his man because here we are, just a year later, and Xhaka has been on a run of several months in near immaculate form.

And yet again, the Swiss midfielder has a perfect read on himself.

"I feel really comfortable here and to be honest, I’m a bit surprised at just how quickly I acclimatised to being here."

This isn’t the only time Xhaka has been spot on about his own capabilities, or properly identifying who he was as a player. It wasn’t all that long ago that he said he completely understood what kind of player he was, disciplinary actions and all.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

Sounds silly, but it kind of is a big deal to understand who you are as a player.

More to the point though, Xhaka is absolutely right. He has settled incredibly quickly and that huge outrage at his playing style has almost entirely evaporated. That’s thanks in part to the new formation, but thanks in bigger part to just who Granit Xhaka is as a player. The one he has continuously stated that he is.

Most notably, in that article referenced earlier, 88% of voters said that Xhaka was a good signing. For whatever reason, I can’t rest until I know that this guy is appreciated because I don’t want to see another Olivier Giroud situation where a perfectly legitimate and capable footballer, who has helped this club so much, passes by unappreciated.

Next: Arsenal's 30 Best Transfers Of Past 30 Years

Thankfully, it looks like the storm has passed with Xhaka. Now back to Giroud…

Home/Arsenal News