Arsenal: Granit Xhaka Being Saved For Aaron Ramsey?
Arsenal yet again did not start Granit Xhaka, with Wenger insisting that it’s all about partnerships. So is Xhaka being saved for someone? Aaron Ramsey?
Arsenal dismantled Hull City to the tune of 4-1 and it was glorious. However, it’s hard to ignore that the most glorious part of it all was seeing Granit Xhaka‘s blistering effort in the 92’ that whipped into the top corner.
Related: 5 Things We Learned Against Hull City
After dribbling and casually looking for a pass, the Swiss realized that no one was closing him down so he just let rip (on the ball, you know). The result was magnificent as he did in one shot what Paul Pogba has tried to do with 11 (and counting).
And again it got everyone wondering – why isn’t he starting?
There is nothing wrong with Francis Coquelin. His defensive qualities are plain to see and his tenacity makes every so much more entertaining. Plus, he is faster than Xhaka, for what that’s worth.
His partnership with Santi Cazorla has been a staple in this midfield in the recent past and it’s clear that Wenger is keen on reproducing that same effect. It worked against Hull and it should continue to work going forward.
When questioned why Xhaka isn’t starting, Wenger even said that it’s all about creating a pair, like Coquelin and Cazorla have.
As of right now, Xhaka does not have a partner and it sounds like that is at least part of the problem. Wenger wants to find him the right partner and, apparently, make him a box-to-box midfielder.
Which is what lead to me wondering what exactly Wenger had in store for him, partner-wise? Clearly he had something in mind or he wouldn’t have bought him in the first place. And if it isn’t someone that is currently available, than the only thing I can think of is that he is meant to be paired with the injured Welshman Aaron Ramsey.
More from Pain in the Arsenal
It’s an appetizing combination for Arsenal, that’s for sure. Xhaka is known for sitting deeper in the formation and allowing play to unfold ahead of him. Neither Coquelin nor Cazorla do that and, as such, neither has been a good partner for Aaron ‘excuse while I become a striker’ Ramsey.
But Xhaka would open up a security blanket in Ramsey’s bombarding forward runs. By sitting back in the formation and allowing his partner to make that run, it allows the offense to reap the benefits of the Welshman’s vision without the risk it presents to the defense.
The only question mark is how that would work with Xhaka’s supposed transition to being a box-to-box midfielder.
Even in the transition, it’s not like he would completely lose what makes him who he is. Plus, if you think back to the Invincibles, you could make a case that both Gilberto and Patrick Vieira were heavily involved going forward and tracking back. Not saying Ramsey and Xhaka are on that level, but it’s the same idea.
What do you think Gooners? Is Ramsey’s injury the reason why Xhaka isn’t starting or am I imagining things?
This article originally appeared on 
