Mikel Arteta said Granit Xhaka had made him a "better coach" as the Arsenal manager prepares to lock horns with the Sunderland captain on Saturday.
Granit Xhaka praised his side's "pure mentality" as Florian Wirtz's goal in the 11th minute of stoppage time snatched a 3-2 win for reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen at Borussia Moenchengladbach in Friday's Bundesliga opener.
Eyebrows were raised when Xhaka arrived from Premier League runners-up Arsenal at the start of last term, with Leverkusen coming off a fifth-placed finish and with rookie coach Xabi Alonso preparing for his first full season as a first-team head coach.
After years of heartbreak and being dubbed "Neverkusen" for their string of runners-up finishes, Bayer Leverkusen finally broke through to claim their first-ever Bundesliga title. Their 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen last week secured the trophy, marking a watershed moment in the club's 119-year history. Although they have enjoyed intermittent cup success, this league title signifies a shift in their fortunes.
Xhaka is reportedly set to join German club Bayer Leverkusen in the close-season after seven years in north London
Granit Xhaka's second-half winner secured Arsenal a 1-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates Stadium and a place in the Europa League knockout phase on Thursday.
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has been interviewed by police over an allegation he racially abused a staff member at London's Heathrow Airport on Monday.
Arsenal reach an agreement to sign combative Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka from Borussia Moenchengladbach on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has been interviewed by police over an allegation he racially abused a staff member at London's Heathrow Airport on Monday.
Arsenal reach an agreement to sign combative Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka from Borussia Moenchengladbach on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.
