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Arsenal have kept so much faith in Granit Xhaka for a reason, and it’s not in order to piss off fans. Just accept that his “problem” is not his to fix.
The majority of Arsenal fans are hellbent on seeing Granit Xhaka out of the club. They can’t seem to understand why so much faith (and money) is being invested in him. Especially seeing as how Unai Emery gave Xhaka a massive new contract when his wasn’t even close to being up.
It was a clear indication that there was a place in his starting XI for the Swiss international, despite the fact that, through two matches, he looked like a lost dog, incapable of figuring anything out for himself. Even I had to scratch my head and wonder what the plan was.
But again, and I can’t believe I’m having to say this again, Xhaka’s problem is not that he has any deficiencies or short-comings. He is who he is, his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses.
His problem is in his utilization. If there is anyone out there that can’t appreciate the importance of his passing and control, just close out this window now, there is no helping you. Go yap at the television some more.
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For those of you that understand that his passing is a game-changer, and that his control is critical to the club’s success, and that he has growing defensive capabilities, I’m talking to you.
The problem with Xhaka isn’t anything to do with what he can’t do. I get that he’s slow. That’s a bummer. But his problem is that he needs the right partner. He can’t, cannot, be expected to be the furthest back midfielder and, right now, Matteo Guendouzi doesn’t have the responsibility to be the deepest midfielder.
Lucas Torreira does, however. And when Torreira and Xhaka are paired, you can see why it is such a special combination because they can each be themselves and everyone is happy. Except for the blinded Xhaka haters, who will never be happy.
Xhaka doesn’t need to change anything. The improvements are nice, and I’m looking forward to seeing them develop more (he is only 25 years old). But what he is is exactly what the club needs. Now the club needs to give him exactly what he needs – an actual defensive midfielder. Hopefully Torreira is that guy.
Maybe once he is allowed to go free of the endless blame-game, he can be appreciated. Probably not, though.