RunTheTrap
Kai Havertz Offense League
I see what you’re saying but I personally think Xhaka has hit a wall when it comes to his passing. I don’t think his passing is THAT elite that we will miss it. When Arteta first came here he clearly wanted us to adopt a high press but our players lacked the athleticism to do so. My hunch is that we will become a pressing team and there will be less focus on possession. Think of the midfielders we’ve been linked to. Bissouma, Berge and Camivinga. If you’re only playing once a week then pressing football shouldn’t be too hard on the players. So long story short, I think we are moving away from a Xhaka type midfielder.I still find it hard to believe Xhaka will leave, even if he wants to I can't see a club coming in with a transfer fee that satisfies the club and a wage package that satisfies the player. Also it's not like there are links to any specific clubs.
But let's say he does go, i'm not sure someone like Bissouma would be the replacement. I'm pretty sure the thing Arteta values in Xhaka is his passing, he passes a lot and he's a relatively progressive passer. Bissouma or Berge don't really replicate that. Someone like Locatelli replicates that.
The squad still needs another midfielder like Bissouma/Berge, a guy who can tackle and dribble, but if Xhaka leaves surely it needs a passer too?