Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka was praised for his performance against Southampton yesterday.
The Swiss international has improved since the arrival of manager Unai Emery in the summer and has formed a good partnership with Lucas Torreira in the heart of the Gunners’ midfield.
Fans on Twitter gave credit to Xhaka for his display versus the Saints:
Massively improved from last season ?? well done
— Abid (@abidtheblicki) 25 February 2019
Him and Torreira till the end of the season. Nothing else
— K (@TheOzilVision) 25 February 2019
he’s definitely improving and I’m confident he’ll be the future captain of Arsenal
— Sàbir Khàn (@itszjanu) 25 February 2019
Gud one keep it up⚽?
— Oprinho (@oprinho) 25 February 2019
One of the best players yesterday, but always got that mistake in him.
— Jack (@AlwaysAGooner1) 25 February 2019
With xhaka and torera in the mid losing is not an option
— Sir-lord laro (@Isensesense) 25 February 2019
??Swiss excellence ??
— ??????? House of Southgate-Fellaini ?? (@KingSouthgate) 25 February 2019
Still underrated
— Vaggelis_Kete (@KeteVaggelis) 25 February 2019
Not every supporter was in agreement, though:
Mediocre player
Not good enough for us— Leigh Rogers (@LeighRogers5) 25 February 2019
Same as before. Nearly assisted ward-prowse to ruin our CS.
— Forthepun (@sai_starkish) 25 February 2019
The 26-year-old has been much criticised for his inconsistent form ever since he was signed from Borussia Monchengladbach for £35m in 2016.
His lack of goals and assists means his overall game is heavily scrutinised and he has not always justified his inclusion in the starting line up.
However, in recent months, Xhaka has begun to pay back some of the large transfer fee that was shelled out on him two and a half years ago.
Whether he can produce a consistently higher level of performance over a whole season, we shall have to wait and see.