Arsenal: It’s not Jack Wilshere, but Granit Xhaka needs to be replaced

During Arsenal’s draw with Southampton on Sunday, Granit Xhaka’s flaws again came to the fore. It is time for him to be replaced. But that replacement is not Jack Wilshere.

I have grown weary of Granit Xhaka. I have long been a proponent of his skills, highlighting what he can do instead of what he can’t do, which has often been the focus of the debate regarding the £35 million man. But after Sunday’s draw with Southampton, I have finally had enough. Arsenal need to replace him.

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I should first state why I believe Xhaka needs replacing, and why Sunday was the final straw. It stems from what he is asked to do.

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Without the ball, Xhaka must cover ground, shielding the defence in the process. That is his primary role. But because of a lack of athleticism and mobility, he struggles to get across the field, especially against sweeping, quick-paced counter attacks. There are, though, other players who have played that position without natural speed. Nemanja Matic, for example, or Xabi Alonso or Sergio Busquets. None are exactly lightning. They, though, have a nose for danger: They smell where the threat is and anticipate where they need to be, ensuring that they are always in the perfect position. Xhaka does not have that; it exposes his immobility.

With the ball, Xhaka must instigate attacks from deep. When he has time and space to pick his pass, he has the technical skills to execute those long-range passes that help push the team up the pitch. But when pressed, because of the dependence he has on his left foot, combined with poor balance, meaning that he struggles to spin away from a defender, he cannot evade opponents with sharp movement or quick passing. Contrast, for example, his play to Santi Cazorla’s.

It was this that was most evident against Southampton. Whenever the Saints chose to press Arsenal, they enjoyed success. The Gunners were unable to play through the phases, failing to pass accurately quickly, becoming flustered by the attention that the defenders impressed on them.

In criticising Xhaka, many, including Martin Keown, have called for Jack Wilshere to be introduced for the Swiss international. And while I agree that Wilshere is a better player playing at a higher level, his natural intent is to attack, as is Aaron Ramsey’s.

Arsenal already suffer from a vulnerable defence, especially when it is exposed. Partnering Wilshere and Ramsey in midfield would only accentuate those issues. The only way to replace Xhaka with players that are in the squad is with Francis Coquelin or Mohamed Elneny. Both have displayed their restrictions on several occasions throughout the years.

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Arsene Wenger has a big decision to make regarding Xhaka. Knowing his managerial tendencies, I fear that he will be patient with him, as he has been with many players in the past. I, though, would like a replacement to be found. It may not be Jack Wilshere, but there are plenty available in the transfer market.