Granit Xhaka footage shows midfielder's value to Arsenal as he conducts in-game team talk

It's fair to say Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is something of a Marmite figure.

Some love the Swiss midfielder's passion and constant work-rate, while others are more critical of his perceived lack of technical ability and occasional rashness.

But despite a rocky start under Mikel Arteta Xhaka has been favoured by the Spaniard for most of this season, and is included in a group the Spaniard sees as natural leaders in the team.

During the Gunners' 3-0 victory over Sheffield United on Sunday Arsenal's media team tracked Xhaka's every movement and special microphones were able to pick up everything he said.

Granit Xhaka made his presence felt on the pitch (Arsenal /Youtube)

It was striking just how vocal Xhaka is on the pitch, and he was often seen barking out instructions to his teammates or offering encouragement.

At one stage, for example, he bellows to Dani Ceballos "Stay, Dani! Stay!", while when Thomas Partey received the ball he shouted "Time! Time Thomas, keep the ball!"

But what was most impressive was what Xhaka did after Arsenal had gone 1-0 up through a superb goal from Alexandre Lacazette.

Rather than going too over-the-top with the celebrations, he ran over to his teammates and calmly said "Yes! Yes! That's football guys! Yes!"

As some players looked about to make their way back to their half for the kick-off, Xhaka held them back, saying "stay here! Stay here!"

He then got the group in a huddle and instructed "guys, we play and we keep going! We don't go back!", and was clearly wary of complacency setting in or of the side sitting back and trying to defend the lead rather than getting more goals.

And his words clearly had an effect, with the Gunners going on to seal a hugely important three points.

Xhaka's impressive assertiveness will no doubt be noticed by Arsenal fans, who may be beginning to see just why he is such a favourite of Arteta.