Granit Xhaka: Is it good or bad that he's staying at Arsenal?

The Swiss captain will not be sold this summer. Will that help or hinder Arsenal this season?

By Oli Dickson Jefford

No one can doubt how much Mikel Arteta values Granit Xhaka’s contributions to his Arsenal side.

The Swiss made 29 starts in the league for the Gunners across the 2020/21 season, with only Bukayo Saka starting more often, and Arteta is relieved that the Swiss will be not be moving this summer. 

“Xhaka is staying. He wanted to play. He is a key player for us,” said Arteta.

His comments came after the 28-year-old scored in his first match of the season, a 2-1 defeat in a friendly against Chelsea.

With rumours floating around that Xhaka would be heading to Roma, it seems that the Italian side’s inability to match Arsenal’s price tag means Arteta’s wish of keeping Xhaka has come true.  

Yet, debate within the Arsenal fanbase about just how effective he is in an Arsenal shirt still rages on and will likely continue to do so. 

Some fans will point out how much better Arsenal’s record is when he starts.

Across the 2019/20 season Arsenal won 44.8% of games where he played at least 45 minutes, losing just 13.8% of such matches.

However in games he didn’t start that season Arsenal had a lowly win rate of just 11.1%, losing 66.7% of the time.

The idea that ‘stats don’t lie’ suggests there is no doubt that Xhaka’s presence is of huge importance.

What also cannot be underestimated is the value of his experience.

In a largely young Arsenal side with the likes of Saka, Emile Smith-Rowe and Kieran Tierney, having someone with Xhaka’s experience could prove to be a huge advantage.

And, what also cannot be forgotten is how influential he was for Switzerland during their Euro 2020 campaign this summer.

The captain of his international side, he proved to be instrumental as they progressed out of their group with four points.

However his finest moment came in their round of 16 match against France, where he starred as Switzerland forced a 3-3 draw against the world champions before progressing with a stunning shoot-out victory.

He was suspended for their quarter-final against Spain- a match they’d ultimately lose on penalties- but during that his leadership qualities were on show, galvanising his teammates from the sidelines.

There are undoubtedly many positives that he brings, though there are valid reasons why he has his detractors.

At times for Arsenal, sometimes in key matches, Xhaka has a tendency to lose his cool and make mistakes that ultimately cost his side three points. .

There have also been times where he has looked anonymous on the pitch, looking completely outclassed and overrun in midfield by high-quality opposition.

Meanwhile, there are also several fans who feel that Arteta is too reliant on Xhaka at times and that tactically there may sometimes be better options to him.

Many are excited over the recent arrival of Albert Sambi Lokonga and believe that he can become one of Arsenal’s key players in the coming years.

However, some fear that the reliance on Xhaka and Arteta’s mindset will not allow Lokonga to thrive and allow Arsenal to be more creative- something that will certainly be crucial as the club looks to challenge for Champions League places once again. 

Overall it cannot be underestimated just how much of a towering figure Xhaka is at Arsenal.

There is no doubt how much he is valued, and the stats suggest that his presence is crucial in Arsenal’s chance of a successful season,

If he can consistently play at the level that he displays on the international stage, he will be huge for Arsenal this season.

However some will still be unhappy to see him in an Arsenal shirt, and the opening few months of the season will be huge in deciding just how much longer he spends at the Emirates.

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