Paul Merson says Arsenal star has done something ‘very odd’ this week

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Granit Xhaka published an open interview about his tough time at Arsenal so far earlier this week.

Xhaka spoke about being stripped of the captaincy and the flashpoint at the Emirates Stadium against Crystal Palace when he was substituted.

Former Gunners midfielder Paul Merson has told the Daily Star that the timing of the interview was odd but commended Xhaka for his honestly.

“The only thing the fans ever ask for is that players give everything, just like they would if they were wearing the shirt. But to be fair to him I think Xhaka does,” said Merson.

“It’s a very odd time to do an interview like this, during the run-in. But it was very honest and that’s refreshing. That’s what we want. I don’t think enough players speak out. You can’t turn around and then moan that he shouldn’t be saying it. I’d rather he was honest.

Every manager that comes in at Arsenal plays Granit Xhaka. He plays virtually every game. Has he ever been left out for any length of time? That tells you a lot. He must have something about him because he doesn’t make goals, he doesn’t score goals, he’s not going to hit you with a 60-yard pass.

“I don’t mean to be horrible. But he still plays every week so every manager who has managed him must see something there. He’s captained the club and he must have a big voice in the dressing room. But obviously he lost that after having his row with the fans. I wouldn’t say he is underrated.

“He plays in midfield and he’s not a defensive midfielder really because Thomas Partey is playing there. But he doesn’t have an amazing passing range either. Sometimes it shocks you that he plays every week. But he does give 100 per cent all the time.”

Xhaka was moved out of midfield to left back for last weekend’s game against Brighton and he was badly missed in the defeat.

That underlines the importance of the Swiss international to this Arsenal side, even though he has had so much criticism down the years.

He probably is not at the level Arsenal need to challenge for the title but he is clearly good enough to be a regular in the first team right now, and will be important in the run-in.