Granit Xhaka now compares Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to ‘special’ manager

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Granit Xhaka has thrived since leaving Arsenal, but has praised manager Mikel Arteta and compared him to his new boss Xabi Alonso.

Alonso, who is childhood friends with Arteta, is also in his first senior managerial role, and like Arteta and Xhaka, was a central midfielder.

Xhaka was one of Arsenal’s top performers last season, but decided to leave in the summer as he wanted a new challenge in Germany, and he has been a big influence in Bayer Leverkusen’s excellent form as they are now flying at the top of the Bundesliga.

Granit Xhaka compares Mikel Arteta to Xabi Alonso

Speaking to CBS Sports, Xhaka praised both managers, and highlighted similarities and differences between the pair.

“I had a very, very good relationship with Mikel, of course. A young coach who had a first job at a big, big club like Arsenal, of course [like] Xabi now. I see not a lot of big difference between them,” he stated.

“They think the same, they work the same. I’m more than happy, it’s a privilege for me to have Mikel before and Xabi now.

“First of all he (Alonso) was an amazing player. Secondly for me as a midfielder – like how Mikel was as well – Xabi is showing many, many small details on the pitch. For me that’s something special.”

Mikel Arteta’s influence on Granit Xhaka

Xhaka had his best campaign in an Arsenal shirt last season, as Arteta did what Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery failed to do in getting the best out of him in a more advanced role.

Whilst Xhaka did play well in his early Arsenal years, he would often make mistakes leading to goals, and his time at Arsenal was not without its drama.

Arteta eventually managed to unlock his full potential, and he played a key role in midfield last season, a role which summer signing Kai Havertz is struggling to live up to.

Xhaka has arguably been one of the best central midfielders in Europe this season, and is ahead of anyone when it comes to progressive passes and passes in the final third. With Arsenal’s midfield currently imbalanced, they are clearly missing his presence, and Arteta may be looking at Alonso with some envy that he has his former star at his disposal.