Press conference

Arteta - Why vocal Xhaka is a natural leader

Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka

If you're among the small crew of people who attend behind-closed-doors games, or someone who opts against artificial crowd noise when they watch football, you've probably heard Granit Xhaka loud and clear.

The midfielder returned from an ankle injury to play a key role - including some impressive lead vocals - in our 2-0 win over Southampton.

 

"Yeah, he's a natural leader," said Mikel Arteta.

 

"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!"

 

Xhaka started the season with the captain's armband but that job has been passed on to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. So could Xhaka get a second stint as skipper?

 

"Hopefully I have 24 captains who are willing to take leadership wherever they like," replied Arteta.

 

"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 the passion and set an example to your teammates. That is, for me, a leader."

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