Coquelin loving Xhaka partnership

Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin has hailed Granit Xhaka’s performances in amid Santi Cazorla’s enforced absence through injury.

The Switzerland international has developed into an important first-team member at Emirates Stadium following his big-money move from Borussia Monchengladbach.

Xhaka has formed a midfield partnership with Coquelin after Cazorla suffered an ankle injury, and he has impressed the Frenchman with his distribution.

“Xhaka’s quality on the ball, his range of passing, passing the ball from deep is great. He has a final ball,” Coquelin told Arsenal Player.

“He is a complete player. I do not know how many caps he has for Switzerland and he is only 24. He is still adapting but he is doing great.

“Any team would struggle without Santi. He has been unbelievable since he signed here.

“But I think the players who have played in his position have done well as well. [Aaron] Ramsey, Xhaka… You have to praise them as well.”

Xhaka has scored three goals in 24 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal.