Arsenal vs Benfica: Granit Xhaka’s glaring weakness exposed

Arsenal’s round of 32 first leg tie against Benfica was a frustrating watch. Granit Xhaka exemplified it more than anyone else, save perhaps for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, this is more due to his technical limitations than execution.

Benfica set up defensively in a back five, screened by their three central midfielders. The strike pairing was tasked with pressing high and forcing the center-backs to go long. They were diligent in doing so.

Breaching this low block required quick turn-and-release plays from deep, and with the center-backs occupied, this task fell to Granit Xhaka who picked up the retracted positions. In failing to assume that role effectively, he brought to fore his technical weakness, the like that hasn’t been prevalent having watched him impress of late.

With the turning radius of a car and non-existent speed of thought, he was only able to release passes when Benfica settled back after the transition, and Arsenal couldn’t take advantage.

Granit Xhaka’s weakness was exposed against Benfica and despite being a reliable figure for Arsenal, a more technical upgrade is due

This has been a familiar theme in his career. He is rarely able to evade challenges and release runners, or negate a high press. His physical make-up simply isn’t tuned that way. When playing alongside Thomas Partey, the Ghanaian suppresses this weakness as he assumes the ball carrying role, allowing Xhaka to focus on his strengths.

Dani Ceballos can do this to a degree but he has to play in an advanced position due to a lack of offensive industry from the other midfield options alongside him, such as seen with Xhaka against Benfica. Santi Cazorla was a master at this role, complementing his fellow pivot pal but adding progression through the thirds.

Teams press higher now than ever before and technically astute deep-lying midfielders are a luxury few can afford. However, anyone aiming for higher standards, like Arsenal, should be looking in this direction.

Of course, maligning Xhaka for one bad performance is short-sighted – he has been superb in recent weeks – but for an Arsenal side that has been blessed down the years with masterful midfield orchestrators, an upgrade on him seems long overdue.

Is it too much to ask from the fans to have more complete and competent starting midfielders? Surely not. Even if it may cost money that the club seemingly don’t have, and Xhaka has been one of the club’s better players this season, it’s about taking the next step.