A fellow gooner friend asked me last week who was my curent favourite. He answered Odegaard.
I went with Xhaka. There is no doubting this man's commitment and work-ethic. The turnabout he's been capable of, the leadership, the humility. Those are values that I want in my team. Someone who beats the odds to do something special.
As much as his redemption arc had a lot to do with playstyle, tactics, and Arteta's influence etc. the way he fully committed to the new role and put his all into it is an illustration of his god-tier work rate and attitude
I've learned a few things in life and one thing that I hold near and dear is the belief that certain things in life can be taught, and Xhaka has all of those qualities : work ethic, drive, tenacity, perseverance, attitude.
You can teach people to be better at the things they do, but they need the right qualities to succeed in doing so and I think that is why every manager we have had has loved Xhaka and why he has started as often as he has. He is the rock in the middle of the field that is ready to go to war when you need him, and we won't back down from anyone, even the fans.
Fans also need to treat athletes better in general. If the same hatred and abuse was turned back against those very same fans I guarantee you they fold faster than a wet paper bag.
What a player he was for us. Even through all shit we gave him, he still played his hear out. Respect.
Always backed this man. Through a difficult period, he was one player who always showed passion and commitment and set the standard for other players in the team with and without the armband. One incident could not wipe out years of dedication, even at the time it happened. The attitude since then has been nothing short of phenomenal. I will miss seeing our #34.
The captain without the armband. Will cherish my 21/22 kit wit his name on the back. All the best in Germany my man!
