Arsene Wenger has chosen to stand by the decision to sign Granit Xhaka despite critics’ suggestion that the midfielder has been a flop at Arsenal.

Xhaka agreed to move to the Emirates stadium from Borussia Monchengladbach in a deal which cost the Gunners £35m almost a year ago.

But after Arsenal’s failure to maintain a serious challenge for the Premier League title, the 24-year-old, who has been sent off twice this season, has received criticism from some fans and pundits for failing to live up to exceptions.

However, Wenger has backed Xhaka to make a name at Arsenal, labeling the former Bundesliga star a ‘success’ in his debut season.

“He has adapted, and become stronger and stronger throughout the season,” the Arsenal manager said

“I think today you can say he is a success because he is getting stronger in every single game, and also he has a good, consistent focus. I believe this is a very important quality.

“He turns up every day in training with full commitment. He has a very good focus, every single day – which you can say about all of our midfielders. He never misses a training session and that’s certainly why he has improved throughout the season.

“When we play at home especially, and you are dominating the games, it’s important to have someone who can pass from deep areas through the lines. We looked for someone who could do that and I felt he had those specific qualities to do that.”

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