Arsenal FC legend Thierry Henry seems quite perplexed with Swiss International, Granit Xhaka’s role at Arsenal. The Gunners signed Xhaka for a fee in the region of £33m from Bundesliga club, Borussia Monchengladbach earlier this year.
Much was expected from the 24-year-old midfielder, but Arsene Wenger hasn’t really given him many chances in Arsenal’s starting XI so far. Xhaka has only made nine appearances for the London club in all competitions.
Even Thierry Henry seems puzzled as to why Wenger is holding back the club's most expensive signing of the summer, especially since Wenger himself stated that he will only bring in players that can make Arsenal stronger.
"It's kind of a weird one," he said on Sky Sports.
Also read: Arsene Wenger worried by Granit Xhaka’s recklessness
"Arsenal bought him so I was expecting him to start, maybe not every single game at the beginning because he has to adapt to the league, but I thought he was going to be the guy in midfield because Arsene [Wenger] says himself that he will only bring in a player that can make his team better.”
Thierry Henry admitted that Xhaka might not be a starter yet but was hopeful that the Swiss international will soon be a regular for the Gunners in the future.
"It doesn't look like he's a starter yet but hopefully he can be one."
Granit Xhaka did start the game against Bournemouth on Sunday where the Gunners grabbed all three points with a 3-1 win at the Emirates. Although Xhaka didn’t play a part in the goals scored, he did play all 90 minutes of the Premier League game.
Alexis Sanchez was once again on the scoresheet for Arsenal with two goals while Theo Walcott, who continues to impress, bagged one.
Xhaka’s signing came at a time when Gunners fans were demanding Arsene Wenger bring in a world class midfielder to the Emirates. Xhaka was signed with the intention of adding a bit more to the club’s potent attacking play.
But the Swiss midfielder’s London dream hasn’t hit the kind of heights he or the fans were hoping for, as he has started in only five Premier League games so far the season. Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, has stood his ground stating that he wants the 24-year-old to adapt to the English game and the conditions.
Arsenal’s next game is against Southampton in the EFL Cup quarter-final on the 3rd of December.
