Arsenal’s squad was practically unrecognizable a few years ago. Under Mikel Arteta’s leadership and Edu Gaspar’s shrewd purchases, the club has gone from perennial underachievers to one of Europe’s elite, with just Bukayo Saka, Kieran Tierney, and Gabriel Martinelli left from former manager Unai Emery’s period.
This huge transition is emphasized by the fact that four Arsenal players are currently Ballon d’Or contenders, a concept that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago. Interestingly, one of Arteta’s recent sales has made the list, eliciting nostalgia from some supporters who may wish he was still wearing an Arsenal shirt.
Gunner’s Surprise as as former player becomes Ballon d’Or Contenders”
While the Premier League title remains elusive, Arsenal’s four players on this year’s Ballon d’Or shortlist is an impressive achievement.
Bukayo Saka leads the pack, having scored 20 goals and 14 assists in 47 appearances this season. He also played an important role in England’s European Championship final appearance.
Martin Odegaard, the club captain, joins Saka on the list for the second year in a row, demonstrating tremendous improvement both on and off the pitch, with 11 goals and 11 assists.
The next two nominees are first-time Ballon d’Or hopefuls, although they are expected to be regulars in the future. French wonder William Saliba, a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense, was vital in keeping 18 clean sheets last season, contributing considerably to the team’s defensive strength.
The final nomination is Arsenal’s record signing, Declan Rice, who, despite the great pressure of his £105 million price tag, performed excellently, with the price tag becoming a distant memory after the first few games.
Arteta’s success in placing many players on the Ballon d’Or list demonstrates the club’s improvement. However, if Granit Xhaka had not been moved last summer, Arsenal may have had a fifth nominee.
Granit Xhaka’s Exceptional Campaign
The player in question is Granit Xhaka. Despite considerable controversy during his time at Arsenal, he left with the majority of supporters’ support and a kind farewell at the Emirates. Xhaka exceeded expectations after joining Bayer Leverkusen for around £21 million, playing 50 games and providing four goals and two assists to his team’s unblemished domestic double. The sole defeat was in the Europa League final against Atalanta.
Xhaka’s remarkable performance has earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination and raised his market value to approximately €44 million (£37 million). Despite the pain of his leaving, Arsenal fans can be proud of Xhaka’s achievements and the impact his transfer had on securing finances for players like Rice.
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