8 Arsenal players who improved the most under Mikel Arteta

5. Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka is the first non-current Arsenal player on this list but he HAD to feature. Granit Xhaka spent seven years at Arsenal, signing for the club under Mikel Arteta in 2016. However, there was a brief time period when it seemed certain that Xhaka's time in North London was down and out.

The Swiss international midfielder was made captain and he is still remembered as one of worst Arsenal captains of all-time. I'm sure no Arsenal fan needs reminding of the story but essentially, he swore at the fans after being subbed off, wearing the captain's armband.

Some months down the line, he was miraculously still an Arsenal player (albeit, Arteta arrived just before the January transfer window so it was good timing). Long story short, Arteta reintroduced Xhaka to the starting lineup and he became a crucial midfielder. He had several great performances under the Spaniard, particularly in the 2022/23 season.

It was his last season in an Arsenal shirt and in his final game for the club, Xhaka received a standing ovation after scoring a brace. An incredible turnaround and an example of "zero to hero".

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