Country: Canada
His errors have always been his biggest problem, but can anyone remember a big one since Arteta took over?
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Granit Xhaka: Swiss Army Knife or Blunt Tool?
- Thread starter Marjorie
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Country: Canada
RacingPhoton
Established Member
He was still making errors and gifting the ball to opposition. We had a back three to protect him this time. He has not given penalties though. Probably because he doesn't tackle anymore in/near the box.
But wait. What is he in the team for?
Manberg
Predator
Some people have a lack of football understanding and don’t see what Xhaka brings into the team in terms of dictating tempo and providing control and stability. These people will no doubt have said the same about Arteta as a player in our side. Xhaka has been a key player for 3 tactically astute managers at Arsenal. They know what they’re doing and see what Xhaka brings to the team.
Zero wins without Xhaka under Arteta’s reign speaks for itself.
Zero wins without Xhaka under Arteta’s reign speaks for itself.
Country: Canada
I really don't think any of this is true
RacingPhoton
Established Member
In the previous thread, people have pointed out how he gifted ball away in each match in the post match discussion. And he does shy away from tackles in the box. That has been the case for quite sometime. You just have to see the number of fouls and yellows in his name to figure out why he is not committing tackles in the box.
Of course, none of this is true.
Country: Canada
I count 7 tackles/blocks in the box in that highlight vid on the previous page alone. In one game
Country: Nigeria
Player:Saliba
I have to say, you've really stepped up your trolling
Country: Wales
Just because you disagree, can’t call it trolling.
Don’t know what I said in that is controversial.
RacingPhoton
Established Member
Most of them are blocks/interceptions. Not many tackles.
He's improved defensively but if he is the DLP, he has to be comfortable to receive the ball from the defence, turn and play it forward preferably quickly. I hear about stability snd tempo but our midfield is run through quite often and our tempo has been way too slow. His game is a poor fit for us and what I want to see.
Country: Nigeria
Player:Saliba
'Consistent 8/10' would make him world class ffs.
Part of the reason we played 5 at the back after the lockdown was that our midfield was crap. Yet the 'fulcrup' of that crap midfield is somehow an '8/10' midfielder.
Most of the stuff people were praising him for were the blocked shots in or near the box. We could bring in a random championship midfielder who could replicate that.
I'm not saying he's a bad player. But calling him 8/10 would make any decent footballer 9/10 or 10/10.
Anyway, it's a long season. Too early to start bickering in the Xhaka thread
Country: Wales
Impact
Established Member
Xhaka's USP was always his passing: His ability to switch play, break lines and progress the ball into the final third. Think that has dropped off recently in part because of the lack of options to receive in that part of the pitch.
With us signing Willian and rumoured to be in the market for another 8/10 type, we should have some advanced playmakers to find in the half spaces this season.
He's becoming dependable. A steady 7/10 that also adds leadership to the side. Entering that stage of his career where DM/DLPs of his style tend to go up a notch. His decision-making on tackling, jocking and in duels has gone up a level since Arteta joined. No surprise there as Arteta himself was not a natural defensive player when he joined us.
Hope he can combine the best of both worlds this year: passing with defensive stability.
With us signing Willian and rumoured to be in the market for another 8/10 type, we should have some advanced playmakers to find in the half spaces this season.
He's becoming dependable. A steady 7/10 that also adds leadership to the side. Entering that stage of his career where DM/DLPs of his style tend to go up a notch. His decision-making on tackling, jocking and in duels has gone up a level since Arteta joined. No surprise there as Arteta himself was not a natural defensive player when he joined us.
Hope he can combine the best of both worlds this year: passing with defensive stability.
Country: Canada
That's because his positioning is good.
Tackles in the box are risky as hell and defending in a way where you dont' need to make them is ideal. If he were to make more actual tackles there I'm sure you'd say he should have been better positioned so as not need to take the risk.
Country: England
Player:Saliba
His errors have decreased under Arteta. He's still not very mobile and sometimes slow to get the ball forward. Our midfield have been poor overall this year, one of the reasons we're 8th. Too easy to cut through. Having said that, he's probably been our best midfielder.
Here's the thing though, I can't see any of the top 4 sides wanting him.
Here's the thing though, I can't see any of the top 4 sides wanting him.
RunTheTrap
Kai Havertz Offense League
Now show the Xhaka
Watch the first 20 minutes of the FA Cup final. Literally gave Pulisic a chance.
Country: Canada
The final he dominated?
BigPoppaPump
Reeling from Laca & Kos nightmares
Some posters always resort to that when you don’t agree with them or follow a consensus. It’s frankly pathetic.
RunTheTrap
Kai Havertz Offense League
Dominated what? Now we're stealing thunder off of Cellabos to give to Xhaka. Come on man that's low.
Country: Canada
They were both excellent in the final. More than one player at a time can have a good game. And usually a CM requires his partner to play well in order to have a good game himself.
So far all I've got in reply to my original question, aside from vague assertions, is the one pass you mentioned near the beginning of the final. Which required Pulisic to dribble a fair ways before being in a dangerous position, if I recall.
So it would appear that Xhaka has indeed improved in regard to big errors since Arteta took over. Hopefully it continues, as he'll be starting more games than just about anyone else if he's fit.
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