Ian Wright has named Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka as ‘the most improved player’ in the Premier League this season.
The Arsenal legend noted Xhaka playing further up the field under Mikel Arteta’s side and how it is allowing him to ‘create’, as he told Premier League Productions (14/11/22 at 2:55 pm).
Signed under Arsene Wenger’s stewardship, Xhaka moved to north London for £30 million (Sky Sports) back in 2016.
At that time, Arsenal were declining and Xhaka wasn’t someone that won over the majority of the fanbase, especially during his time donning the captain’s armband.
But patience is a virtue in the game and the 30-year-old is now one of Arsenal’s best players, as Wright was asked who has been the most improved player in the Premier League this season.
“I’ve got Xhaka,” said Wright. “I think what Xhaka has done now he has been playing further up the field, all the managers at Arsenal have had certain faith in him, but he’s playing further back where it doesn’t suit him.
“Now, we are seeing him up front. More in that area where he can create and do what he does for Switzerland. It’s got to be Xhaka, for me.”
XHAKA AT THE WORLD CUP
One thing that can’t be denied is that Xhaka has always been a consistent performer when repping the colours of Switzerland on the International stage.
That was proven when the Swiss knocked France out of Euro 2020, and ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they will be one of the dark horses of the competition.
It’s a pretty difficult group for Xhaka’s side because they will have to overcome Brazil, Cameroon and Serbia if they want to progress to the knockout stages.
