Qwiss! wrote:
Anzac wrote:
Xhaka's key strength is that he is generally both dependable/reliable and consistent.
He's not though. He's not quite David Luiz level but his entire career with Arsenal has been marred by big individual mistakes. His form goes up and down generally too.
I don't think Xhaka is as bad as some people make out but theres a bit of overcorrection going on now with people calling him consistent and a great captain.
Spot on. "should never play for Arsenal again" "worst starter in the history of the club" and now within a couple of weeks of solid performances there's a complete u turn for som reason. I used to rate Xhaka very highly, was buzzing when we signed him but he has far too many braindead moments in him. I don't like this idea that players just have to pass and dribble vertically as if it were that easy, sideways passing merchant etc all that bollocks is ridiculously lazy analysis most of the time it's not possible to play like that so I don't mind that he's conservative with his passing as long as he keeps showing for the ball which he always does. He's rarely injured which is another underrated positive. But aside from his clangers he's not nearly as quick in releasing the ball as he used to be for Gladbach and contrary to suggestions here he's very much affected by form even during games. When he's insecure he keeps showing for the ball but plays ultra safe passes and makes more mistakes, when he's on song he plays 50 yard cross field balls with his weaker foot.
He should be replaced and upgraded come summer. I wouldn't mind him as backup but he's probably the last player we have who'd be content sitting on the bench.
