Arsenal: Under-fire Granit Xhaka not to blame for defensive mishaps

Arsenal have by far some of the most strict fans in world football. When a player is brought into the club and doesn’t hit the ground running, they suffer.

Since joining Arsenal, Granit Xhaka has come under a criminally excessive amount of scrutiny. The unfair criticism comes from him not  being played in the proper position. You simply can’t expect a box-to-box midfielder like Xhaka to offer more defensive stability.

Players like Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere are rarely blamed for their lack of defensive effort whilst the Swiss international is blamed every week.

Since Gilberto Silva left the club in 2008, a valid replacement hasn’t been brought into the defensive midfield department for the Gunners. Xhaka is undoubtedly one of the most abused scapegoats in the entire squad, but Arsene Wenger is more to blame.

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Considering the size of this club, a certain degree of player is expected by the Arsenal faithful. With that being said the Swiss midfielder was simply the wrong appointment for what Wenger was looking for.

To put it in metaphorical terms, Wenger bought a reliable, hefty SUV into a battle where a tank was needed. Xhaka can’t be expected to play as a player that he will never be.

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The most common question on Arsenal fans’ minds regarding the “Swiss SUV” is, does he have a future with the club?

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Of course.

Xhaka has an abundance of untapped potential and talents. His strengths aren’t being utilized properly. The Swiss international is only twenty-five-years old and has a good amount of years in front of him.

How to use him

Xhaka is a box-to-box midfielder with a bit of a zesty side to his game. He’s not scared to go in for an aggressive challenge but also will nick the team a world-class 40 yard screamer if needed.

Players like him will become increasingly difficult to come by. With the inflated transfer window, Arsenal are better off making use of him. Moreover, lets not forget Xhaka was not cheap at all. The cheaper option is to make use of him rather than sell.

Last but most certainly not least, the death threats. Being upset at Xhaka after a poor performance is understandable, however overly aggressive comments on social media is unacceptable. No human deserves that treatment.

There’s no denying he has been underwhelming this season but the death threats are despicable. Give Xhaka a chance. Imagine being thrown into a position at work that you’re unfamiliar with.

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Wenger has an issue in his hands that he is trying to solve with the wrong man. Will Wenger properly utilize his strengths in the future or destroy his career? Only time will tell.