Ian Wright has certainly made his feelings known on Granit Xhaka in the past. After Arsenal's 2-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in 2020, Wright blamed Xhaka for Spurs' second goal, while he was critical of the Swiss international's post-match interview after Arsenal lost at Newcastle United last season.
"Seeing a player coming out and saying 'they didn't listen to the coach's instructions' is a very strange interview from Granit Xhaka," said Wright. "To say it now, I don't think it helps anybody – it's very magnanimous of him to come out be honest."
For mistakes he's made both and off the pitch, Xhaka has faced criticism from the former Gunners striker, but he is now bathing in praise after Wright hailed his performance in Arsenal's 3-0 win at Brentford. Xhaka put in a classy display in midfield, providing the assist for Gabriel Jesus' goal that put the Gunners two goals in front.
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Wright admits that he has previously been Xhaka's "staunchest critic", while he agrees with Jamie Redknapp that Mikel Arteta's brave decision to move him into a more advanced role is bringing out the best in the 29-year-old.
"For me, Granit Xhaka is a player that we’re finally seeing play like he does for Switzerland," he told Match of the Day 2. "He’s playing in a position that suits him, playing more offensively. He’s playing with real authority and confidence.
"Lately he’s been able to find space and from there he can be really dangerous because, for me, he’s got easily one of the best left-foots in the Premier League. It’s a great cross for the Jesus goal, it’s fantastic. He can also do the defensive stuff.
"He set the tempo for Arsenal off the ball. I’m really pleased for him because I was one of his staunchest critics. But now we’re seeing the best of Granit Xhaka."
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