‘He is a team player’: Patrick Vieira says Arsenal have an under-appreciated player you ‘might not even notice’

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If anyone knows about what makes a good midfielder in the Premier League and specifically, Arsenal, then it’s Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira.

Vieira is making waves in his first managerial job in England with his impressive Palace side being one of the main contenders in mid-table and causing problems for a number of top teams. Indeed, the Eagles have already taken a point from Liverpool this season.

Of course, Vieira’s natural affinity in England is to Arsenal. The Frenchman was one of the main players during the successful Wenger years. And looking at the current Arsenal team and midfielders in general, Vieira believes Granit Xhaka is someone who doesn’t get the the appreciation he might deserve.

“Xhaka at Arsenal. I think he is a team player. I think he is someone you might not even notice a lot or mention a lot but he is doing really hard work for the team,” Vieira told Sky (quotes via The Mirror)

Xhaka has been integral under Mikel Arteta and has been given a license to get forward a bit more this season which has already seen him contribute. After nearly falling out with the Arsenal faithful on more than one occasion, Xhaka has certainly turned things around.

TBR’s View: Xhaka Now Key For Arsenal

There’s been so many calls for Arsenal to replace Granit Xhaka over the years that for some, it’s probably amazing he’s still being selected.

However, that is more a testament to his character and quality and if he carries on as he is playing right now, he might end up leaving Arsenal more of a legend than a flop.

Certainly, Xhaka is playing well under Arteta and with a push for the top four well and truly on this season, Xhaka has a real chance to back up those compliments Vieira.