Granit Xhaka keen to hone his skills under 'world class' Arsenal trio
Friday 2 September 2016 15:11, UK
Granit Xhaka says he is trying his best to learn from his "world-class" team-mates Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla in order to emulate their success at Arsenal.
Switzerland midfielder Xhaka - who joined from Borussia Monchengladbach for £30m in May - is one of Arsenal's three major signings this summer along with defender Shkodran Mustafi and striker Lucas Perez.
The 23-year-old has quickly settled in North London and impressed alongside Cazorla in Arsenal's 3-1 win at Watford last Saturday.
"I have to admit that in the first few days there was an undeniable nervousness," Xhaka told Appenzeller Zeitung. "You can see the players are world class just by the way they pass the ball.
"Ozil, Sanchez and Cazorla for example, are huge personalities. Even though the club has spent more money on me, there's still a great deal I can learn from them, in every respect.
"Things like their work ethic and ambition are impressive. You can't afford to rest on your laurels at all or you'll instantly be on the bench."
The win last weekend was important for Arsenal, who had fallen five points behind Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea after taking just one point from their opening two games against Liverpool and Leicester City.
Xhaka admits the weight of expectation is far greater than he has been accustomed to but he is confident Arsenal are capable of mounting a title charge and winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004.
"Everything happens on a higher plain than it did at Borussia Moenchengladbach or FC Basel," Xhaka said.
"You become aware of the global perception of Arsenal when you're on the tour of the USA. Everywhere we went there were huge crowds waiting, the size of the club is unmistakable.
"I knew before I arrived that the pressure at a club that challenges for the title grows quickly. The season is long; we'll become stronger with every game."
