Summary:
- Granit Xhaka scored a stunning goal to secure a 1-1 draw with Everton, pushing Sunderland into the top four.
- The midfielder leads the team in key stats and brings crucial experience to a young squad.
- Former Arsenal star has matured into a calm, reliable leader and a talisman for Sunderland.
Granit Xhaka was already being called the signing of the season, and on Saturday, he showed exactly why.
The 33-year-old midfielder has transformed Sunderland since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen for £13 million over the summer.
His latest contribution, a stunning strike from outside the box, earned the Black Cats a 1-1 draw with Everton and lifted them back into the Premier League’s top four, a remarkable feat for a newly promoted side a quarter of the way into the season.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher before kickoff on Sky Sports commented,
He must be the signing of the season. Is there anyone in the Premier League having such an impact anywhere? Arguably not.
After the match, Carragher doubled down:
He was excellent again, head and shoulders above almost anyone else on that pitch.
The numbers back him up. Xhaka leads Sunderland in almost every key statistic and ranks among the Premier League’s best in several areas. He has three assists, only three players have more, and sits joint-11th for chances created.
Only two players have provided more set-play opportunities than his nine. He’s also near the top for completed long passes (52) and has added a goal to his record, his first in England since scoring twice for Arsenal against Wolves in 2023.
Marco Gabbiadini: “We Need to Wrap Him in Cotton Wool”
Manager Regis Le Bris praised the Swiss international for his leadership:
He’s really important because we have many young players and many new players in this league. One player like Granit, with his previous experiences, is really important for us. He has this quality to score. He wants to play football, he wants to be competitive, he’s always connected with the game and he sets the standards.
Former Sunderland defender Jonny Evans agreed, calling Xhaka “the only one on the squad with real experience,” adding, “They can rely on him for anything.”
Now, Xhaka’s career has come full circle, following seven rollercoaster years and 297 appearances for Arsenal, including a stretch as a controversial captain, and the rebuiding of his reputation in Germany, where he helped Leverkusen to an unbeaten title under Xabi Alonso.
Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini said,
We’ve seen a slightly more restrained version of Xhaka, but it’s actually better. He’s measured, calmer, and a better professional. He’s a talisman, we need to wrap him in cotton wool and keep him going for 38 games.