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Granit

Brian Griffin said:
Problem is that Xhaka now is not what Xhaka was when he was 18/19

Not only do you have the issue of a quality player not wanting to sit in the bench, you also need a lion tamer until the new player matures.
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I think we need to do this a different way and effectively replace him with two people

1. Someone to deputise in his midfield role and eventually replace him in that role - this could be new young talent like Nathan de Cat. But as you say it can’t be an established leader as they won’t sit on the bench. So also…

2. Bring in another experienced leader who plays a different position and is 3-5 years younger - CB maybe. This avoids having a leader sat on the bench. They are captain when Xhaka is out and deputy otherwise. I don’t have a name for this one. I’m not sure we have an existing player who could do this. Mukiele/Reinildo/Geertruida not calm enough, Alderete too chill, Sadiki / Diarra too young (although has been a captain), Hume would need to keep stepping up… could Enzo do it in a season or so?
 

DH4 said:
Had my favourites over the years, Rowell, Gabbiadini, Phillips, Quinn,Defoe etc (Mainly goalscorers). But as an actual footballer, Granit Xhaka is the best player I have witnessed playing for us in the 50 years I have followed the club. Add in his leadership qualities as a captain and nobody even comes close to the man.
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Both Quinn and Phillips were top top footballers mind. Brains, ability, and end product.
 
I think (hope) we are in a different position as a club to the last few times we have been in the premier league. It looks as though we have a solid leadership team who have established a long term strategy with clear goals and milestones to ensure we continue to develop and progress to gradually becoming one of the 'big boys' and a mainstay in the league. I just didn't have the same level of confidence that I now get from any of our previous owners/leadership teams. During the Peter Reid era for example, despite being up amongst it for most of the season and having the European Golden Boot winner playing for us, we just knew Bob Murray didnt have the money behind him to allow us to even maintain our two seventh placed finishes. Short just didnt get football or how to run a club.

This is why i have every confidence that when the time comes, we will replace Granit Xhaka with a player who is equally as important and influential - hopefully he will successfully transition to being as an important member of the management team as he is/was a player.

Sadly, our ticket operations seem to be unable to keep up with the on field operations.
 
PoolsMackem123 said:
Best game for us. And that’s some compliment given how good he’s been all season. Very unlucky not to score as well in the first half. Back to his best after a couple of less than exemplary games (that’s probably as critical as you can be - only 99% perfect). That midfield 3 is absolutely disgusting for a newly promoted team
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His freekick that he took 2mins to line up was utter shite mind.
 
Got to be up there as one of the Premier League players of the season when you consider his overall contribution to the club.

I dont think we will, but let's just dream for a sec and say we got into Europe, he will be crowned player of the season for sure.
 
BoshItLikeBardo said:
He was superb and completely in charge. Think there’s a few around here who’ve become desensitised to us having a world class midfielder and only notice him when he mis-hits a free kick.
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This. We're not used to it.

You just have to look at his movement and work rate to see he is world class. Add his touch and passing skills. And you've got a great player. Not even talking about his leadership qualities.
 
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