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Ex-Gunner Kevin Campbell has been left impressed with Granit Xhaka after the midfielder revived his Arsenal career against all odds.
THE LOWDOWN: MASSIVE TURNAROUND
Granit Xhaka was once the villian among the Arsenal fanbase but the Swiss midfielder is enjoying a new lease of life under Mikel Arteta.
Kevin Campbell was once a big critic of the midfielder and was strongly in support of the player being sold but the former Arsenal star admits things have changed beyond his expectations.
The arrival of Oleksandr has allowed Arteta push Xhaka further up the field this season, and the latter appears to be strongly benefitting from that tactical switch.
Xhaka has been found more often in attacking positions and has already scored one goal alongside two assists in six Premier League appearances this season.
THE LATEST: TAKING BACK HIS WORDS
It wasn’t so long ago when Xhaka was wearing the captain’s armband and he was booed by his own fans against Crystal Palace.
Fast forward to the present and just last Thursday, in Xhaka’s homeland, he was given the captain’s armband in the 2-1 win against Zurich and there was not a single word of criticism from fans.
From being inches close to an Arsenal exit, the 29-year-old is now one of the club’s most important players and was recently named as one of the deputy-captains, alongside Gabriel Jesus.
Campbell loves the change in performances from Xhaka, not just from this season, but from the previous campaign, as he praised his turnaround while speaking to the Highbury Squad.
“With Zinchenko being at the football club, we have seen another dimension to Granit Xhaka’s play,” said Campbell. “He has been higher up the pitch. Making moves and scoring goals in the opposition box like never before.
“There is one way to silence the fanbase and get them on your side, and that’s to play well. You play well and all the old beefs, grudges and worries that you had before, then people start to say ‘I have to take my hat off to him’.
“He’s been having a very good season. There is no way he wasn’t going to play against FC Zurich, especially with it being in Switzerland, that’s for sure. He wants to be there. Credit where it’s due.
“Do we lack some bits and pieces? Yes, but most teams do. However, Granit Xhaka has been a plus for us this season, like many others.”
THE VERDICT: LEADER WITHOUT THE ARMBAND
Martin Odegaard might be with the captain’s armband but Xhaka remains one of the natural leaders on and off the pitch. He has spoken about how he is always willing to help the younger players and he seems to be well respected in the dressing room.
Xhaka has set a Europa League target with the club this season and he’ll be expected to play a strong part if any of those ambitions are to be achieved.
