Arsenal Vs Liverpool: 5 key players to watch – Granit Xhaka’s test

1. Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka is critical to Arsenal’s midfield. In and of itself, that is problematic. His limitations are inescapable. His immobility cripples the team’s effectiveness. His over-dependence on his left foot slows down attacking play and stifles the freedom of the combinations when playing out from the back. And then there is his difficult when pressed.

It is this last vulnerability that Liverpool may look to exploit on Wednesday. There is no better high-pressing team than Jurgen Klopp’s side. They occupy spaces brilliantly, simply wait for the wrong pass to be played, before jumping on a particular player who they feel is a weak link in the team’s play.

Compared to those around him, Xhaka is far from the weak link. Sead Kolasinac and Shkodran Mustafi are far more ‘pressable’. However, if Roberto Firmino drops out of the front three or one of the central midfielders pushes high as he receives the ball, he does not have the requisite skill and agility to circumnavigate the pressure. He invariably loses possession.

Arsenal will need to play through the thirds to build attacks. Xhaka is central to that process. But against Liverpool, it will be an almighty test, one he is not well-built to handle.