Arsenal went into the World Cup break by extending their lead at the top of the table to five points after 14 matches.
The Gunners have enjoyed an impressive campaign so far, where they have dropped only five points in the Premier League.
Several of Arsenal players have stood out this term and among them is Granit Xhaka, who has contributed three goals and three assists in the league.
Prior to Mikel Arteta’s arrival at the club in December 2019, the 30-year-old was subjected to heavy criticism by a large section of the north London club’s supporters.
The Switzerland international’s situation has drastically changed and is now hailed as one of the Arsenal’s leaders. Xhaka’s former Basel and national teammate, Philipp Degen, is pleased with the midfielder’s transformation at Arsenal.
“I have the greatest respect when a player can turn an almost hopeless situation [Xhaka bickered with Arsenal fans at the home game against Crystal Palace in 2019, after which he was dropped from the squad and dismissed as captain] for the better and now he’s celebrated like this,” Degen told SportBild.
“That shows character, great will, makes a real leader. Many amateur players and fans have no idea what it means to be under such enormous public pressure, to endure so much abuse, especially on social media.”
“If you experience such dislike as a professional, if you have the feeling everywhere in the club and in the environment that you are no longer wanted, it is very, very difficult for your head. Granit was strong, didn’t collapse, didn’t run, but faced this hurricane and managed the seemingly impossible. I bow to that.”
Degen, who spent three years at Liverpool between 2008 and 2011, believes the Arsenal star has a key role to play with Switzerland at the 2022 World Cup.
“Granit also addresses the unpleasant things internally and externally, doesn’t mince words. This is often not well received in professional football. I think a leader has to be like Granit and not care if his opinion suits everyone. If things don’t go well, he faces criticism and never ducks away,” the former Reds man explained.
“In a tournament, it’s especially important that a captain show leadership through performance, not just his mouth. At the World Cup, Granit will set an example on the pitch, go into every unpleasant duel, inspire and spur on the colleagues.”
Switzerland’s opening clash of the FIFA tournament in Qatar will be against Cameroon on Thursday.
