Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has heaped praise on Granit Xhaka's shooting ability. The German shot-stopper found himself behind summer signing Aaron Ramsdale in Mikel Arteta's pecking order following August's 5-0 defeat to Manchester City, with the former Sheffield United star performing excellently, registering an outstanding 12 Premier League clean sheets in just 24 outings.
However, Leno was handed a start when the Gunners secured a 1-0 win away to Aston Villa this month after Ramsdale suffered from a hip injury that could keep him out of Monday night's clash against Crystal Palace.
Now, Leno has been speaking on the club's YouTube channel about tough-tackling midfielder Xhaka, hailing the Swiss captain's ability to fire the ball extremely hard, with his shots allegedly 'impossible' to catch. “It’s very difficult for the goalkeeper, it’s a long distance, but the ball is moving and going to the goalkeeper’s right", he said when watching some of the 29-year-old's long-range efforts.
READ MORE: Ramsdale update, Arteta captain call: 3 things spotted during Arsenal's friendly vs Brentford
"We all know that Granit’s shot is very, very powerful." He then added: “His shots are very unpredictable, they’re impossible to catch and it’s not easy for the goalkeeper."
Xhaka has been a mainstay for Arsenal when fit this season but he is yet to score this term despite being utilised in a more advanced role within Arteta's newfound 4-3-3 system. The former Borussia Monchengladbach star has formed a formidable midfield three alongside Ghana international Thomas Partey and Norwegian playmaker Martin Odegaard.
The trio's consistent performances have helped the north Londoners climb up to fourth in the current league standings, three points clear of Tottenham, who have also played one more match than the Gunners. The two sides are still to meet in the second north London derby, which was postponed in January after Arsenal successfully appealed to the Premier League. The game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is yet to be rescheduled.
