Arsenal: 3 improvements Granit Xhaka must make to continue progress

1. Creation

Even at his worst, fans had to admit that Granit Xhaka was a phenomenal passer. His longballs are among the best in the sport and he has an eye for passes that break down defensive lines. Usually, that translates to creating chances, but like shots, Xhaka’s chance creation is the lowest its ever been.

Let me remind you that he accounted for seven assists in his second year at the club. Added to his three goals. In the year after that, he managed four goals and five assists. Sure, he isn’t the biggest goal producer, but his passing should be leading to more chances.

This season he has just one assist. That’s far lower even than his three goals and two assists from his first year.

Xhaka has the ability to create, he just hasn’t been able to do so this year. For me, the solution there might not be his to make, however. It may come down to getting someone like Thomas Partey who can let Xhaka focus more on what’s going on ahead of him rather than worrying about what’s going on behind.