Kevin Campbell has heaped praise on Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka for turning his career around at the Emirates.
The Swiss international was often at the end of criticism from fans, pundits and the media in his first few years as a Gunner. Many even wanted him gone after his outburst against Arsenal supporters at the Emirates in 2019, but he has overcome that in fantastic style.
Kevin Campbell praises Arsenal star Granit Xhaka after previously writing him off
Campbell has had a go at Xhaka on numerous occasions in the past, but he has showered praises on the midfielder now.
The 52-year-old admitted that he believed the Swiss international’s Arsenal career was over at one point, but he’s now truly amazed by the incredible improvement Xhaka has shown since the start of this season.
Campbell claimed that Xhaka now epitomises Arsenal and that he’s finally proving his worth in the Premier League.
The pundit said on talkSPORT: “I was one of them [who had written him off], I’ll be honest with you. You look at Granit Xhaka, his name was just connected with red cards and doing stupid things on the pitch.
“It wasn’t his performances that were taking him to that next level but this season he’s been incredible. Him playing further forward has helped, him having full-backs who can help in the midfield so he doesn’t need to sit in the midfield he can get further up the pitch has made him an incredibly improved, experienced player now.
“When I look at Granit Xhaka now, he epitomises what Arsenal are, they’ve been down, and I can’t believe I’m saying it, he’s come from nowhere. He was a good international player, everybody used to say ‘we need Switzerland’s Xhaka at Arsenal’, and now he’s proving it.”
Our View:
Xhaka really has been sensational for Arsenal this season and he deserves immense credit for the way he has turned his career around.
From being booed by home fans to having his name sung every single week now, Xhaka has come a long way, and his brilliant performances are one of the biggest reasons why Arsenal are on top of the Premier League table.
Xhaka has now scored three goals in all competitions for Arsenal this season – the same number he managed in the last three seasons combined.
He is a real threat in attack these days, and if can carry this form forward until the end of the season, Arsenal could go on and achieve something really special.