Arsenal: Ranking the central midfielders for the Mikel Arteta era

4. Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka has been everpresent under Arteta thus far. Reinserted into the starting XI in a left-sided central midfield position that protects his weaknesses and allows his range of passing to shine, the Swiss international has performed very well of late. He looks revitalised in this new, highly-adapted role.

However, the contorted central midfield position vacates space in central areas, unbalancing the Arsenal progressive play through the middle and in containing the counter-attack, and he still has major limitations regarding his true value. Xhaka is a very capable passer and conductor, but the combination of his immobility, over-reliance of his left foot, ill-discipline, and vulnerability when pressed mean he will never be an elite option at the position.

That does not deem his useless, of course. He has performed well under Arteta and as an experienced veteran in the dressing room, he is well-respected. But at nearly 28 years of age, his potential has been reached, and it is still very limited, and his utility is subdued as a result.