ARSENAL fans have hailed Granit Xhaka’s leadership after footage emerged of his passionate pre-match team talk ahead of the North London derby.
Mikel Arteta’s men beat local rivals Tottenham 2-0 on Sunday to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Arsenal are now – for the first time this season – the bookies’ favourites to win the title after extending their advantage over Manchester City.
And Gunners supporters are citing Xhaka’s galvanising personality as one of many reasons they are so proud of their team.
Before the clash with Spurs, he could be seen geeing up those around him with an emotive burst of encouragement as the team carried out their pre-match stretching.
Reacting to the clip, one person said: “This season I just love this guy. On and off the pitch, with or without the ball. Real character.”
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Another added: “When he talks, others listen. He has the respect of the whole changing room.”
A third said: “His turnaround in the fans eyes needs to be studied in history books.”
And a fourth replied: “What makes us so good is they’re all leaders. These players, even the young ones, show leadership and character.
“I was one of Xhaka’s biggest critics years ago but boy has he proved me wrong.”
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Xhaka was stripped of the Arsenal captaincy in 2019 after telling his own fans to “f*** off”.
He was heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates over the following 12 months.
But his relationship with the supporters has now completely changed as he is one of the most-loved stars in the Arsenal team.
Xhaka has contributed four goals and four assists in 25 appearances for the Gunners so far this season.
He has formed a sensational partnership with Thomas Partey in the heart of Arteta’s midfield, with Arsenal unbeaten in the Premier League so far this season when the pair have started together.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
