'He's one step ahead of everyone': Gabriel Agbonlahor says player has been 'outstanding' since leaving Arsenal

06/30/2024 03:45 PM

Gabriel Agbonlahor has suggested that one player has been absolutely outstanding since leaving Arsenal, almost looking as if he is one step ahead of the other players on the pitch.

Mikel Arteta and Edu have taken Arsenal back into title contention in the Premier League, building a squad which has so much potential to not only climb the domestic mountain again, but to also compete with Europe’s best in the years to come.

They have made a number of inspired decisions in the transfer market in the last few years, but they have also moved a number of the players who had plenty of scars on. And one of those who probably had more scars than most is Granit Xhaka.

Xhaka went through everything during his time at the Emirates, but left for Bayer Leverkusen last year when it appeared that his redemption arc was complete.

Gabriel Agbonlahor names Granit Xhaka in his team of the tournament

Of course, Xhaka has since gone on to enjoy an amazing campaign in the Bundesliga, and he continues to impress at Euro 2024 with Switzerland.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor has suggested that he has been blown away by the 31-year-old’s performances this summer, as he named him in his team of the tournament so far.

“It has to be Xhaka, Xhaka has been outstanding. Since he’s left Arsenal, he’s been outstanding,” he said.

“His last season at Arsenal, he was outstanding. Getting on the ball, making things happen, looking like he’s one step ahead of everyone else in that centre of midfield. Last night, I thought he was outstanding as well, so I’m going to put Xhaka in there.”

Arsenal will still feel that they made the right call

Of course, selling Xhaka would not have only been a footballing decision, with clubs wary of making that the books are balanced. Arsenal had to sign David Raya on an initial loan and did not bring anyone in in January, so they probably would have done even less had they not managed to sell Xhaka.

His stock was extremely high after what had been his best campaign for the Gunners, so it probably seemed like the best time to let him go – for all parties.