‘A revelation’: Kevin Campbell loved Arsenal man’s display at Brighton; has completely changed his mind on him
Kevin Campbell has told The Highbury Squad that Granit Xhaka has been a revelation for Arsenal this season, and claimed that his performance against Brighton was perhaps his favourite for the Gunners.
It is still remarkable to think of how far Xhaka has come in recent months. Mikel Arteta recently suggested that he came back for pre-season fitter than he had ever seen him in the summer.
Arteta pushed him forward into a more attacking midfield role for the Gunners. And he has more than played his part in helping Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table.
Campbell amazed by Xhaka turnaround
Of course, Xhaka had spent most of his time at the Emirates as a very divisive figure. There have been times when it appeared that his relationship with supporters was simply damaged beyond repair.
Nevertheless, Arteta has never lost faith in the Switzerland international. And the Arsenal boss is now reaping the rewards for seeing something in the midfielder that few were seeing before this season.
His display against Brighton at the weekend was perhaps not his most notable. However, Campbell explained that it was actually one of his most impressive in a lot of ways with the turnaround now complete.
“He’s definitely changed my mindset, I’ve got to say that. I’ve got to give credit where it’s due. Granit Xhaka nine months ago wasn’t the same player that he is now. He was improving, but he still had fouls in him, still wasn’t consistent. But I’ve got to say, this season, the manager’s challenged him and he’s come back and been a revelation,” he told The Highbury Squad.
“Obviously he’s playing a little further forward which helps. But he’s been nothing short of remarkable with what he’s doing. And I think one of my favourite games he’s had was actually his last game. There was no Granit Xhaka popping up in the box, but he went about his business the right and proper way. I loved it.”
Xhaka’s performances have been so important. But his leadership also remains absolutely massive for the Gunners.
Martin Odegaard is leading by example with the things he is doing on the pitch. Meanwhile, Xhaka takes charge in a different way. And he clearly remains a huge figure within the dressing room.
And you can understand why Campbell took so much joy from Xhaka’s display. Previously he stood out for one reason or another – often for negative reasons. Now however, he is not necessarily standing out because he is doing all the right things with increasing regularity.
