I'm on the fence about Xhaka. I think he's a good player and can bring something to the team, but there are definitely some deficiencies there which leave us exposed at times. He's also made a poor start to this season, but i expect him to improve over the next month or so.
I don't mind us having Welbeck, but ultimately he is a squad player at best and should never be considered for regular starts. Simply not good enough at the basic requirements of a forward/striker. Good work rate though, which is always appreciated.
Have been impressed by the Ox since he moved to wing back. I'm not sure if we should be accommodating him by having to shunt Bellerin out to the opposite wing though, not a fan of that move at all. Would like him to stay and want him to succeed with us, but as has been noted if he can't play wing back i can't see him thriving anywhere else, and would most likely see him sold.
Happy enough with Mustafi. Went through a bad patch last season, but otherwise fairly solid. A hell of a lot better with Kos alongside him, really struggles without him.
Agree with all this, except I think Xhaka will be the absolute business, provided his confidence comes out of this intact. I feel like it will, he seems like a bit of a leader to me.
I can understand the reasons behind wenger's backline selections, but think he's got it wrong not starting mertesacker.
Confidence is not Xhaka's issue. The worry for me is that his flaws are difficult to fix.
He does not look like a guy who has played a season of prem football already.