Stoke City winger Xherdan Shaqiri feels his international team-mate Granit Xhaka will need some more time to settle down at Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger splashed out big money to secure the Swiss international’s signature from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer and Xhaka was expected to slot in perfectly into Arsenal’s midfield.
While the Swiss has been a regular member of Arsenal’s first team squad, he is yet to become a nailed down starter and has often found himself on the bench in big games, even in the Champions League.
However, Shaqiri is not too worried about Xhaka at Arsenal and has stressed that the first season in England is always tough for any overseas player as they look to settle down in a new league and at a new club.
Therefore, the winger also feels that the midfielder will need some more time to get used to the rhythm of English football.
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Shaqiri told Swiss daily Blick: “The first year in England is always hard.
“He has to get used to the league and integrate with his team and at Arsenal you don’t have to play in every game, as they will be playing so many games.
“I think he has played well so far, but England is different from Germany.
"Every player needs time to reach his peak.”
Xhaka has started only two of Arsenal’s five Champions League game this season, but has started three of their last four Premier League fixtures.
