Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has set himself and his teammates a major target ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar next month.
The Swiss midfielder has been reborn under Mikel Arteta this season and his performances for the Gunners have seen fans fall back in love with him. Xhaka continued to impressive by scoring the winning goal against PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday, securing Arsenal's place in the Europa League knockout rounds.
The 30-year-old almost left the club when it seemed he had burnt all his bridges before Arteta intervened and convinced Xhaka to stay. That decision has proved to be crucial for both parties, with the Switzerland international proving to be a key player so far this season as Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League, four points ahead of reigning champions Manchester City.
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Speaking after the 1-0 win against PSV on Thursday, Arteta lauded Xhaka for his mindset change at the Emirates Stadium which has helped him develop into a better player. The Gunners boss said: "He does, and it’s just about unlocking something in the player’s mind and being more open and receptive to other things, and he’s been extremely open.
"His work rate all the time to learn is fantastic, and now I think it’s paying off."
When asked whether he is playing the best football of his career, via The Daily Mail, the 30-year-old responded: "It's a hard question, I don't want to put myself down! I did good work to be here where I am at the moment but it's a different time, let's say that.
"I'm much more experienced, much more…not clever because I don't want to label myself stupid before but with the games, with age, with everything else around you become a different player, a different person. I'm so happy that everything is going how I always dreamed."
Xhaka has proved to be an influential player for the Gunners and has missed just one game all season so far, but is not fearing any potential injuries that could hamper his and the club's season. The Swiss midfielder added: "I am not worried about this [injuries] because the staff, the coach, they know how I am physically, how I look after myself.
"It is not the first time," he said. "Of course, every time you win it makes it a little bit easier, but I am not worried about the minutes, or the World Cup, or the future.
"I will never think like this when I go on the pitch. This is football, it can happen in one second, you have to put your foot in when it is a 50/50 ball. And me, my personality, the people who know me, I will never back out of that."
With just four games left to play in the Premier League before the World Cup in Qatar suspends club football until Boxing Day, Xhaka has set Arsenal the target of staying top of the table heading into the break. The Swiss midfielder said: "It has to be the aim.
"When you are there you have to be there as long as possible. If we have the chance to stay where we are at the moment and the World Cup comes, maybe it is a good break for everyone, maybe for us as well, to prepare something else for January."
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