Arsenal: Only Matteo Guendouzi can bench Granit Xhaka

Okay, we all want to talk about benching Granit Xhaka, so let’s face facts. The only Arsenal midfielder capable of such a feat is Matteo Guendouzi.

Arsenal fans are fickle creatures. They see what they want to see, and from the moment Granit Xhaka arrived, they saw that he wasn’t Patrick Vieira. This was not helped on by Arsene Wenger (and now Unai Emery) asking Xhaka to do things he just doesn’t do well, but Xhaka is still a wholesome, positive influence on the team.

Both Wenger and Emery saw that. And they know better than fans. In my quest to validate the presence of Xhaka, I have picked many a fight with naysayers, but I’ll play nice this time around. I will talk about what would go into benching him.

In the summer, many spoke about seeing him sold. But the more sensible fans realized what that would do to this midfield. Sure, you could replace him in time. Anyone can be replaced in time. But in the moment, we would be left high and dry.

We have a lot of midfield options, but none do what Xhaka does. I don’t want to ramble about his controlling presence, his ball security, his passing… because you’ve heard it all before. But suffice to say that Joe Willock isn’t there yet. Lucas Torreira isn’t there. Dani Ceballos isn’t there.

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The only player who has the capability to escort Xhaka to the bench is Guendouzi. The young French midfielder is growing in his presence, he’s improving in his ball control and security and if you must see Xhaka sat, he is the only guy that can grow to do it.

Not right this moment, mind you, but in time, he has the capabilities to be the commanding presence that we need on the ball. Like I said, those other guys don’t have that. Ceballos could kick up his Cazorla similarities, but I wouldn’t call Cazorla “commanding.” And Willock has a lot more growing to do.

There is a lot to be excited about in this midfield, but don’t be so quick to dismiss a guy that was such a clear and prevalent necessity last year in key matches. He’s had a hit and miss start to the season, but that will turn around, you just wait. He’s too professional not too.

I know most of you won’t buy this, but that’s okay. I feel better now.