Granit Xhaka has excelled since leaving Arsenal last year, and many are now beginning to realise his true quality.
Xhaka was a marmite figure during his time at Arsenal, but he ended his spell in North London as a popular player and a respected leader after a turbulent few years.
He has since gone on to win an undefeated double with Bayer Leverkusen, and Xhaka is now one of the best midfielders in Europe.
Many could see the quality Xhaka brought to the Arsenal side even when he was an unpopular player amongst the fans, and his teammates always respected him highly.
Former Arsenal youngster Nathan Tella played alongside Xhaka for Leverkusen, and he has heaped praise on the Switzerland captain.
Nathan Tella praises former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka
Speaking to Rising Ballers on YouTube, Tella explained how Xhaka helps improve the teams he plays in.
“I’m looking at Granit Xhaka for instance. As an Arsenal fan I know how good he is, but when you’re playing with him, you realise how much he adds to the team, how much just him being on the pitch is a presence,” Tella stated of Xhaka.
“The way he’s vocal, he talks, the way his game understanding is, that helps. It especially helps someone like me, but I feel like it helps everyone. He just brings a level of calmness to everyone, and it was great to have him in the team last season.”
Granit Xhaka has always been a strong leader even before Bayer Leverkusen move
Many have credited Xhaka for maturing since his move to Leverkusen but he was always a strong leader even in his Arsenal days.
Xhaka was voted to become captain by the rest of the squad under Unai Emery in 2019 after the departure of Laurent Koscielny, and even during his period of struggle, he was always a vocal presence on the pitch.
Xhaka’s teammates clearly appreciate the qualities he brings to a team, and Leverkusen have certainly enjoyed his outstanding performances both defensively and going forward.
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