Arsenal legend Robert Pires highlights Granit Xhaka’s maturity as key to their title bid while praising Gabriel Martinelli’s progress.

• Robert Pires praises Granit Xhaka’s maturity and growth as a key factor in Arsenal’s title bid.
• Xhaka has significantly reduced his yellow card count this season.
• Pires also commends Gabriel Martinelli’s consistent progress and talent.

Arsenal legend Robert Pires has praised Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka’s maturity and growth as a key factor in the Gunners’ title challenge.

Pires, an Arsenal Invincible, acknowledged that Xhaka has retained his characteristic fire on the pitch while demonstrating a more disciplined and responsible approach to his game.

The Evolution of Granit Xhaka

Xhaka, now 30, has seen a significant decrease in yellow cards this season, having accumulated just five Premier League bookings compared to previous seasons where he reached 10, 8, 13, 13, and 12 in each of his last five seasons (most recent first).

Pires lauded the midfielder’s in-game intelligence and movement on the field, as well as his ability to break free from markers and avoid unnecessary bookings.

Pires told Apostagolos, “I value Granit’s in-game intelligence. The way he moves between the lines, the way he breaks free from his markers.

“Also, he’s matured and gets fewer yellow cards – although he’s still hot-blooded!”

Praise for Gabriel Martinelli

Pires also took the opportunity to heap praise on Arsenal’s rising star, Gabriel Martinelli, insisting that the young Brazilian’s recent surge in form was anticipated.

He said, “I wouldn’t necessarily call it a surprise. Simply because he’s incredibly talented and we’ve known that for a while.”

The Arsenal legend went on to highlight Martinelli’s progress this season, citing consistency as a key area of improvement while acknowledging that there is still room for further development.