Arsenal new boy Granit Xhaka: Playing with likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez made me nervous at first
Arsenal new boy Granit Xhaka has admitted that he's had to be at the top of his game to earn his spot in Arsene Wenger's team.
Since arriving in North London in May, the midfielder has started Arsenal's last two fixtures after coming off the bench in their opening day defeat at home to Liverpool.
Xhaka, currently on international duty with Switzerland, says that he has been taken aback by the work ethic of his new teammates at Arsenal and admits he could lose his place in the side if he doesn't keep up.
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The 23-year-old's £30m arrival at the Emirates Stadium, a part of the club's highest-spending transfer window ever, has led to Jack Wilshere's exit to Bournemouth on loan.
Yet Xhaka namechecked Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez as "world class" players he can continue to learn from.
"I have to admit that in the first few days there was an undeniable nervousness," Xhaka told Swiss newspaper Appenzeller Zeitung.
"You can see the players are world class just by the way they pass the ball. Ozil, Sanchez and Cazorla for example, are huge personalities. Even though the club has spent more money on me, there's still a great deal I can learn from them, in every respect.
"Things like their work ethic and ambition are impressive. You can't afford to rest on your laurels at all or you'll instantly be on the bench."