Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has been one of the standout performers for the Gunners this season, thanks to a major tactical tweak from Mikel Arteta.
Xhaka's career at the Emirates Stadium has seen many ups and downs, but the Swiss midfielder has proved to be an influential figure both on and off the pitch. The 30-year-old is now operating in a new role in midfield for Arsenal, seeing him register five goal contributions in nine Premier League appearances so far this term.
His form has seen him dubbed as the Gunners 'own Kevin De Bruyne' and it's mainly down to Arteta deploying the Switzerland international in a no.8 role alongside Thomas Partey and club captain Martin Odegaard. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown hailed Xhaka as "the new Arsenal's fans favourite", further highlighting the improved relationship between the players and supporters.
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The Arsenal star has proved he still leads by example despite being stripped of the club captaincy back in 2019. His reaction to the Gunners taking the lead in the North London Derby when he gathered his teammates in a huddle, reiterating the need to keep focused on the task at hand. Speaking after a 2-0 win over Southampton, Arteta highlighted Xhaka's leadership saying, "He's [Xhaka] a natural leader.
"He's someone who is always 1,000 per cent committed, not just for himself but to help all his teammates all the time. I'm happy that you can hear him more now!"
The Spaniard also outlined how other players in the squad could lead without the armband. Arteta added: "Hopefully, I have 24 captains who are willing to take leadership wherever they like.
"There is not only one way to be a captain. You can be a captain in many different ways. Be yourself, express yourself, play with passion and set an example to your teammates. That is, for me, a leader."
With such a young squad at his disposal, Arteta is relying on the more experienced players in the group to guide the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba as they continue to embark on a brilliant campaign.
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