Bayer Leverkusen have emerged as one of the best teams in Europe this season under the leadership of Xabi Alonso and a star who has been key to that is former Arsenal man Granit Xhaka.
Leverkusen currently sit top of the Bundesliga and their Europa League group having drawn just one match all season.
Xhaka has played a key role in this and stats back it up. According to Fabrizio Romano, the midfielder has played more final third passes (127) and more progressive passes (119) than any player in Europe’s top 5 leagues so far this season.
The Switzerland star was also key to Arsenal’s Premier League title charge last season and with the Gunners visible worse this campaign, did Arteta make a mistake selling the 31-year-old this summer?
???? Granit Xhaka has played more final third passes (127) and more progressive passes (119) than any player in Europe’s top 5 leagues so far this season.
Brain of Xabi Alonso’s wonderful team… and Swiss national team cap record-holder with 119 appearances. pic.twitter.com/bfvdHMdB69
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 15, 2023
Although Arsenal’s season has not been a disaster so far, Arteta’s side have not been as convincing as the previous term, although there are numerous factors in this – injuries being a big one.
However, they certainly miss Xhaka who contributed last season with seven goals and seven assists in the Premier League. Declan Rice has been an amazing replacement for the veteran midfielder but it is the others in the Gunners’ midfield that have yet to step up.
Selling Xhaka is a great mistake I wrote about it telling Arteta not allow Granite Xhaka leave but he was adamant if Xhaka had remain and play with Declan Rice our squad would have been a real premiership trophy club there are many things some coaches don’t know not every player that are 30 years lack strength it depends on body built there many gifted players that can be strong even at 38 years it is true that Gardiola and Arteta are doing well but of them made a very big mistake in selling Gondogan Xhaka especially Arteta to replace Xhaka will take time because he is a real stud I love what he did anyway because if he had left during the time he had misunderstanding with the fans he wouldn’t have proven himself by now they will be calling him Arsenal’s flop I wished him well well done Guy
If not for arteta inervention Granit xhaka would ve gone since 2019,but he leave in 2023 arteta tried his best to stop him from leaving but he Granit refused to stay put so there fore you can’t fault the Gaffer.