Granit Xhaka’s outstanding form at the start of the season has prompted some supporters to reassess his contributions for Arsenal over the years.

The Swiss international has made his fair share of mistakes, which led to heavy criticism of his performances. There is no doubt that the midfielder always possessed ability but it hasn’t always shown during his six years at the club.

Fans on Twitter have been debating why Xhaka has taken so long to shine in a Gunners’ shirt, with some citing the decision to move him into a more advanced midfield role as an important reason:

Xhaka was always a baller. He was never a liability. He has less than 1 red card a season that all people talk about.

— Gunnerboy (@Gunnerboy1232) September 25, 2022

Yeah because his mistakes outweighed any “good things” he did. He seems to have turned it around but don’t act like he’s been playing like this since 2016

— BoyWonder (@_BoyWonderFC) September 25, 2022

Granit Xhaka is one of our key players and one of the best midfielders in EPL this season. Not buts, no ifs. He’s just one of the most important players in our starting lineup and always been. End of story.

— Alex Bazloff (@AlexBazloff) September 25, 2022

I dont think its the case that those who wrote him off were ‘wrong’, as the evidence suggested they werent. But his role has changed, we are now seeing his strengths highlighted and his weaknesses hidden, and hes been excellent.

— Matt Rice-Smith (@GoonerMat) September 25, 2022

It’s okay to admit he has improved, His confidence grown and he’s not that midfielder that makes rash and irrational decisions on the pitch anymore. But please don’t tell us he was always like this.. cuz we all have eyes.

— Ciel (@Cielthewind) September 25, 2022

I just feel he has become top class , dude is at his peak

— SHANNY💁‍♀️ (@shantel12619) September 25, 2022

I blame wenger for playing him so deep, he couldn’t handle it leading to so many mistakes. Xhaka works better in a high pressing team where he is closer to the box. Partey can okay deep at a high level that’s why we have been so good. I just wish partey could stay fit for longer.

— SaintVoltron (@SaintVoltron) September 25, 2022

Actually most us only said that he should stop being reckless and careless. It was the only weakness in his game. If he can sustain the emotional control, maturity and discipline, he is a top player. He is also highly experienced.

— Masai Walubengo (@Walusbengo) September 25, 2022

There is likely something in the argument that the 30-year-old is more comfortable playing further forward, but there seems to be a combination of factors at work here.

Xhaka is high in confidence so he is just making fewer mistakes in general, but it’s clear that the inverted fullback role (played by Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney) is also helping him a great deal. In possession, he is protected and he is given the freedom to do what does best, while if the ball is lost, there are others to cover for him, leading him to make fewer rash decisions. It seems manager Mikel Arteta has found the perfect position for him.