Arsenal: Simplicity is the name of Granit Xhaka’s game

Arsenal have had their midfield tremendously underrated before (think Tottenham) but for the sake of Granit Xhaka, the name of the game should be simplicity.

Arsenal’s midfield was supposed to be overrun against Tottenham. The strength and ability riddled in the center of that Spurs formation was pegged as too much for poor Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey to handle.

Which proved to be an absolute farce. Our guys dominated their guys and made them look incredibly overrated.

Here we are, about to welcome Liverpool to a nearly identical situation. between Coutinho, Salah, Mane and whoever they choose between their other options, it looks like a lopsided affair again. Just like Tottenham.

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However, just like Tottenham, there are ways that the Gunners can turn the tides on their visitors. Perhaps most unfortunately, though, they will have to do it without the main man Ramsey. Jack Wilshere will be there instead, along with Alex Iwobi and Mesut Ozil.

But there’s no hiding from the fact that so much hinges on Granit Xhaka. The Swiss has been known to succumb to pressure, particularly in high-intensity games. He is often tasked with winning the ball and kick-starting attacks, often without much help around him, which is asking the world of someone who does not specialize in winning the ball back, nor is his attack-starting at the highest quality.

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Which is why, for Liverpool especially, I can only hope that Arsene Wenger gives Xhaka simple tasks. Control the ball, spread the field and track back. We don’t need a hero, we need a presence.

As the deepest midfielder, it is assumed by many fans that he should be the ball winner, but that is the perk of having Shkodran Mustafi tucked in behind him. All of a sudden, you’ve got an added layer that, when used properly, as it was against Spurs, made all the difference. Mustafi covered well for Xhaka and Ramsey’s defensive deficiencies and we won the battle in the middle.

Xhaka is going to find himself as the hinge of the door. He can usually count on Wilshere to provide an outlet, but with the pace that Xhaka normally operates, his other team mates are often found bombarding up the pitch, waiting for his passes.

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Again, that’s why we keep it simple. Xhaka is here to facilitate the transition, control the midfield, and not give anything up. Surrendering possession in his deeper position would be an invitation for Liverpool to slit the jugular.