Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaped praise on the way Granit Xhaka has resurrected his career at the Emirates after ‘two big episodes’.
The Swiss international has had his fair share of problems with Arsenal supporters. He has had his ups and downs, but the downs have pushed him over the edge on a couple of occasions.
Xhaka had a huge outburst against Arsenal supporters in a game against Crystal Palace last season. He was subsequently stripped off his captaincy and many felt that his time at the Emirates had come to an end.
Arteta came in and changed that situation completely. He kept his faith in Xhaka and convinced him to stay, and the midfielder became one of our best players in the second half of last season.
Things looked great and it finally looked like Xhaka and Arsenal supporters had made peace. Sadly, his red card against Burnely earlier this season turned things around, and he was enemy number one again.
Once again, Xhaka has proved everyone wrong and is now back to his best. He is now a key part of our squad, and Arteta has revealed what the midfielder told him after his sending off against Burnley that has made him the player he is today.
Xhaka said: ‘‘I don’t want to go through that again’
Arteta told Goal: “I thought he was excellent against Wolves the other night, he’s been really consistent. Then, his leadership level, as well. I think he has matured a lot as a player and he has a big importance in the dressing room. On the pitch, he’s doing things much, much better than before.
“It’s not just the Burnley game [that he got abused for]. He has had two big episodes. You can maybe overcome one of those, but I think the second time it really shocks you and he said: ‘I don’t want to go through that again’.
“But this is why we are here, to try to support our players. I think the club was exceptional giving him all the support. We try to do the same, the team-mates did the same, and he has come through again.”
Xhaka’s mentality is elite
99 per cent of footballers in the world would not have recovered if they faced what Xhaka did after that game against Crystal Palace.
He arguably faces more criticism from fans, pundits and the media than any other player in the country – most of it is unfair. However, he bounces back every single time.
It takes a lot of character and an elite mentality to overcome such hardships. Xhaka is an example to everyone in the world, and Arteta will be hoping that he can continue to deliver until the end of the season.
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