'He's very important': Arteta says £35m Arsenal man is a 'special player'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has waxed lyrical about Granit Xhaka, in conversation with the Gunners media team.

The Arsenal boss said the midfielder is “very important for the team” and a “special player”.

Xhaka has enjoyed a bright start to the Premier League season, helping the Gunners win their opening two games.

The £35million man was especially impressive against Leicester last time out.

He delivered what football.london deemed a ‘complete midfield performance’.

Not only was Xhaka solid defensively, but also got forward superbly to help the attack, and got on the scoresheet.

Admittedly, the 29-year-old has split opinion among Arsenal fans over the years.

Nonetheless, when he’s on form, he is a superb player, as he showed against the Foxes.

In addition, Xhaka’s attitude and drive are exactly what Arteta is looking for in his squad and dressing room.

“He doesn’t need the armband to be one of the leaders,” said the Spaniard.

“It’s his personality and the way he approaches his profession that makes him a special player.

“I think he’s very important for the team. He’s showing that.

“What we need from him is that he performs the same way or better.”

Now Xhaka is being given the freedom to into advanced positions, he is really showing his quality.

His positional awareness, reading of the game and movement are superb.

Could this end up being Xhaka’s best season at Arsenal? It’s early days, but things are heading in the right direction.

‘He’s very important for the team’: Arteta says £35m Arsenal man is such a ‘special player’