Arteta while justifying his decision to change Xhaka’s role this season, claimed he made the change in order to improve the team
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has explained the rationale behind his decision to take Switzerland midfielder, Granit Xhaka, away from the position he was playing last season.
Xhaka since joining the North London club has played in a deeper midfield role until the current season, when the Gunners boss decided to change things.
The Swiss captain is one of the shining lights for Arsenal this season, as they chase the elusive Premier League title.
ALSO READ: Amusan emerges Africa’s ‘best female athlete’
The 33-year-old midfielder has improved significantly in attacking areas this season, scoring three goals and making three assists already.
Arteta, speaking with Sky Sports recently, claimed he had to change Xhaka’s position in order to ‘unlock’ his brain and improve the team.
When asked what informed the midfielder’s change to a more advanced midfield position this season, the former Manchester City assistant boss said:
“I think it was a necessity.
“I spoke to him at the end of the season and said, ‘I need to unlock something in your brain because you’re so comfortable and confident playing in this area that you have forgotten what is actually going to win us the game and the team now demands somebody here, so unless you unlock that, I’m going to have to do something about it’.
“He took it straight away…”
