Stuivenberg praises Xhaka for tackle on Odegaard in Arsenal training

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The latest video from the Arsenal training ground has included a moment when Granit Xhaka is praised by Albert Stuivenberg for a smart tackle on Martin Odegaard.

Xhaka is one of a number of players who appear to have stepped up their game this season. The Swiss has been superb for Mikel Arteta’s men for much of the campaign.

He appears to have found himself in a different role. Xhaka has been asked to play slightly further forward, closer to Martin Odegaard than Thomas Partey.

As noted by The Athletic, his average touches in the opposition penalty area have more than doubled since the defeat to Everton back in December.

Interestingly, he is also tackling less. Obviously, Xhaka was seen as something of a liability due to his temperament. And there will be plenty of Arsenal fans who will feel that they will never be able to fully trust the 29-year-old to keep his cool. He has certainly been linked with a move away in recent times.

Having said that, Xhaka is certainly doing his best to silence his critics and doubters. And he is also receiving plaudits in training.

There was a brief moment in one drill where Xhaka manages to win the ball back from Odegaard. It was a very good challenge from the midfielder that sparks a run of passes from his side.

He reacted fastest to the Norwegian stealing possession. And obviously, Odegaard is one of the most in-form players in a flying Arsenal side right now.

The challenge was praised by Stuivenberg, who was stood next to the pitch.

Xhaka proving why Arteta has kept faith with him during Arsenal tenure

Xhaka has been superb for a number of weeks. He is showing why he has been so integral under a number of managers despite some of the issues he has had.

Some will remain convinced that his temper will cost the side at some stage. But Xhaka deserves enormous credit for changing perceptions with his form over the last few months for Arsenal.