Granit Xhaka crowned Arsenal’s best player of the season so far

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Granit Xhaka has been named as Arsenal's best player.

In data developed by the CIES Football Observatory, the midfielder is the highest-ranking Gunners player. He comes into a top 10, lead by Chelsea's Jorginho, which also includes Pascal GrossThiago Alcantara, Harry Kane, Luke Shaw, Wilfred Ndidi and Ruben Dias.

CIES's "robust" findings cover the last 1,000 minutes each player has played across Europe's top five leagues; the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1. More on their "methology is here. https://football-observatory.com/IMG/pdf/note02en.pdf

Xhaka has been a divisive figure at the club - and was stripped of the captaincy under Unai Emery - but no player has played more minutes under Mikel Arteta.

CIES's finding may come as a surprise to some, with Bukayo Saka being named Player of the Month for both January and February.

Xhaka on Tuesday morning was linked with a move away from the club, with a return to the Bundesliga mooted.

He revealed last summer that he was "very, very close" to leaving Arsenal.

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