This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is very much a marmite player for the Gunners. Some like him, many aren’t so keen.
Nevertheless, the role that he played during his side’s 1-0 win against Bournemouth illustrates how important he is for the team.
What’s the word?
After appearing to duck out of the way of Scott McTominay’s goalbound shot during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw away to Manchester United, the Switzerland international responded in the best way possible as his side moved up to third place in the Premier League table.
Having been named the club’s captain, Xhaka showed characteristics of leadership during the game, turning in an excellent defensive display overall.
Xhaka hits back
Since he inherited the permanent captaincy from the Laurent Koscielny, Xhaka is playing with a lot more composure and maturity.
The Switzerland international continues to defy his critics – journalist Henry Winter claimed he was “very, very lucky” to be handed the armband – and did so yet again during the Gunners’ victory over Bournemouth on Sunday.
During the game, Xhaka managed to accumulate two tackles and three aerial challenges won. Add in a pass success rate of 85%, and the stats display Xhaka’s willingness and determination to break up the play and initiate attacks.
To add to this, his role as a defensive midfielder is becoming more apparent as he also made five clearances.
Xhaka moved from Borussia Monchengladbach for £31.5m in 2016 and now is the time for the Swiss midfielder to prove that he has been a good investment for the club with his new role within the team.
He is the captain now, and with that comes an added weight. If he can continue to perform as he did against the Cherries, Arsenal might well be in good hands.