Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka admits he will not change his style of play and will continue being the physical player he is known to be.
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has admitted concerns regarding new signing Granit Xhaka’s disciplinary record, but the midfielder has said that he will not listen to the Frenchman and will continue with his aggressive approach.
According to the club’s official website, Granit Xhaka said: “I love playing that way. Sometimes you’re late onto the ball, sometimes you’re not. Sometimes you make contact with the guy when you tackle him, sometimes not. It’s a sport where individual duels are vital so I don’t see it as a problem.
“I wouldn’t change myself for anybody. I am who I am, people accept me or they don’t. I have my strengths and my weaknesses which I can try to improve upon, of course. I’m still not the finished product. I’m only 24 so I’ve got plenty of time to keep improving.”
Xhaka was Arsenal’s first signing of the season and there was an added buzz about the Swiss superstar’s arrival at the Emirates, given his hefty transfer fee. The Gunners faithful expected the 24-year-old to fit right into the manager’s plans at the club, but unfortunately that’s not how the scenario has panned out.
Despite starting in 10 of Arsenal’s 15 games in the league this season, Xhaka is yet to impress critics about his credentials as a level-headed midfielder who could fit into Wenger’s philosophy at the Emirates.
Given his errant nature of diving into tackles, the Swiss midfielder appears to be contrary to the players the Frenchman usually signs. In his four seasons at Borussia Monchengladbach, Xhaka was sent off on six occasions and was shown a staggering 35 yellow cards.
His competitive streak is undoubtedly a cause of concern for Wenger. In early November, the Frenchman admitted he was worried of the player’s fiery temper and that he must improve his discipline if he is to play regularly for the club.
This season, Xhaka has already been given his marching orders once and has received three yellow cards. However, the Switzerland international has now gone on an eight-match run without being booked, and the manager will be hoping for that streak to continue during a tricky festive period.