Jack Wilshere says the arrival of Granit Xhaka has brought presence and aura to Arsenal's midfield, describing the summer signing as a "natural leader."
Xhaka was the first of four summer arrivals at Arsenal after striker Takuma Asano, from Hiroshima Sanfrecce, defender Rob Holding from Bolton Wanderers and attacking midfielder Kelechi Nwakali from Diamond Football Academy in Nigeria. Wilshere has been impressed by the assuredness of the Switzerland international.
"He's been good, he's a young player, sometimes it’s hard to believe he's only 23," he told premierleague.com at the Premier League Season Launch. "I played against him four or five years ago when he made his debut for Switzerland at Wembley Stadium.
"He's one of those players who is very calm. He picks up the ball in midfield, he breaks play up, he can keep the ball and he’s got a lovely left foot.
"He's a natural leader, he can dominate in midfield; he wins the ball back and can start an attack. He brings that presence, he’s not necessarily one who is a big talker in the dressing room but he gives off that aura. He will be a great addition to our squad."
As well as speaking highly of Xhaka, Wilshere also welcomed the arrival of a new opponent this season, Manchester United’s, Paul Pogba.
At 24, Wilshere is a year older than the Frenchman and knows Pogba from when Arsenal played United in academy matches.
Pogba's return to Old Trafford from Juventus was announced on Monday night and Wilshere believes the competition for the title will benefit from having such star names displaying their talent.
"I know him quite well, I played against him a few times in the youth team at Man Utd and you could always tell back then he had something special," Wilshere told Sky Sports News HQ. "It was a bit of a surprise when he left but he has obviously made a great name and career for himself.
"He is a special talent and the Premier League is a better place now he is in it."
