Arsenal senior pro and Swiss international Granit Xhaka said he was enjoying being the guiding force behind the emergence of the new crop of players. Arsenal have a glut of young and talented players like Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Albert Sambi Lokonga who are creating waves in the English Premier League.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joining Barcelona during the January transfer window after falling out with manager Mikel Arteta, Emirates Stadium is witnessing a resurgence thanks to the young crop of players.

“When I see these young players, I feel very old. To be honest we have a very, very young squad with a lot of quality and I’m one of the guys who push them. I have to be a leader. We can talk about these youngsters for ages. The likes of Rowe and Saka have taken the game to another level for Arsenal.

“But don’t forget Martinelli as well. He may not get the praise that Emile and Saka get, but he is doing an unbelievable job. I know how hard he works. You have Sambi as well... I have no doubt that Arsenal have a very, very good future,” Xhaka said.

Xhaka has earned a reputation for getting red cards. Since his debut for Arsenal in 2016-17, no Premier League player has been sent off more times than him. In mid-January he made a reckless tackle on Liverpool’s Diego Jota during a League Cup match.

“I am a type of player who likes to take risks...It doesn’t matter how many games I’m suspended for, I always try to help the team,” he reasoned.

(Wolves vs Arsenal (1.15am IST Friday, live on Star Sports Select)