Arsenal: Granit Xhaka should be dropped, but who for?

There have been calls for Granit Xhaka to be dropped from the Arsenal starting XI. I agree with them, in principle, but when the question of a replacement is raised, there are few glaring and convincing answers.

The performance of Granit Xhaka against Watford has garnered much attention, little of it positive. The 2-1 loss was, for the most part, due to Arsenal’s inability to control the game in the second half. With a one-goal lead, they simply needed to see the game through, remain defensively disciplined, and command proceedings through midfield dominance. They didn’t.

Now, there are many reasons for that, but in the days since the disastrously ignominious defeat, it is Xhaka that has bore the brunt of the criticism and questioning. And it is now reaching the point that some are calling for him to be dropped from the starting XI, such has been the floundering of his recent form.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

That is not a stance that I necessarily disagree with. Xhaka is a clearly a talented footballer. But there are certain flaws that he cannot seem to overcome. A lack of mobility, an over-reliance on his left foot, a lack of defensive awareness or sense of danger. These are all shortcomings that he has been unable to overcome, especially this season. And, in a perfect world, Arsenal would be in a position where they could drop the Swiss international. But I ask the very simple question: Who should Xhaka be dropped for?

Of the current options available in the squad, there are only three genuine possibilities: Mohamed Elneny, Francis Coquelin, and Jack Wilshere. As squad players who are there to simply provide depth when injuries and suspensions come, these are perfectly adequate players. But as starting midfielders each and every week, there are flaws, either individually or with the balance of the team as a result of their playing, that are difficult to see past.

Elneny, firstly, is a wonderfully committed player. He is energetic, he works incessantly hard, he is athletic, and he is willing to run and run and run. But he is also limited. His passing is safe and conservative, he lacks the precision to be creative in the final third, and he does not offer any creativity from deep whatsoever.

Coquelin, similarly, while a little more switched on defensively than Elneny or Xhaka, does have severe issues when in possession. His distribution is erratic and inconsistent, his touch is loose and uncontrolled, and his decision-making is extremely wasteful. So, bar Wilshere, there is not a fit player in the Arsenal squad that is deserving of replacing Xhaka. And even with Wilshere, there are major problems.

Wilshere is an attack-minded midfielder. Although he may often play in a central, deeper role, his intentions are always to look forward. He is a naturally ambitious midfielder who wants to create chances, score goals, and dictate play in the final third. Pairing him with Aaron Ramsey, a similarly attack-first-defend-second midfielder, would be utterly calamitous, upsetting the balance of the team, and exposing what is already a vulnerable defence.

Next: Arsenal Vs Red Star Belgrade: Predicted starting XI

So, the idea of dropping Xhaka is a nice one. It seems like a wise move. But, practically speaking, it is not a viable option that would improve this team. Unfortunately, for now, Xhaka is the best that Arsenal have. When is Santi Cazorla back again?

Home/Arsenal News