Arsenal: Complete player rankings for the 2018/19 season

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal (L) celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on April 01, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal (L) celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on April 01, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Granit Xhaka
(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

6. Granit Xhaka

I hear the boos and the hisses, but all of you able-minded readers out there can see past the odd handful or so of mistakes and see into the inherent value that he provide this year in his ability to control the midfield, and the difference that was felt when he wasn’t there.

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There have been so many questions asked of him over his Arsenal career, but as he has developed, so too has the obvious value he has to the club. And this year was a shining example. Granit Xhaka did whatever was asked of him. If we primarily needed defensive help, he provided it. If we needed a creative mind, he provided it.

Hell, he even scored some goals and chipped in assists, with so much potential for more when he is used in a creative position, rather than a primarily defensive one.

A lot of what makes Xhaka special is in his partner. He needs someone who can allow him to play with freedom, not unlike Aaron Ramsey, and as long as Arsenal provide him that, they will get more of what he provided this year.

Just remember – he cut down on his mistakes, a lot. He provided so much more backbone for Arsenal. He just popped so much better than he has before. And there’s no reason to think that he won’t be getting even better.

Andy (9), Josh (6)

Grab your tissues for No. 5.