Fabio Borini full of praise for one Sunderland star who can lead them to safety
Sunderland’s start to the Premier League season has got fans excited that they can avoid relegation.
Sunderland’s chances of relegation have gone down following the good start to life in the Premier League, as they sit seventh after four games.
Regis Le Bris made many signings in the summer, with most of them adapting well to the Premier League at the Stadium of Light.
Former Sunderland forward Fabio Borini was a deadline day signing himself back in 2013, and he believes one new addition can lead the Mackems to a second year in the top flight.
Granit Xhaka is a great leader for Sunderland
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast on 16 September, Borini was quick to praise Xhaka’s leadership.
He said: “He’s a good leader, he’s a good captain that can lead the club in the direction that they want to be.
“You can see when he walks on the pitch, how he carries the team, he’s one of those guys that you want in it.
“Sunderland recruited personality, not just players, and they all seem to fit well.”
The signing of Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen was an incredible bit of business, given his impressive CV and his quality on the ball in midfield.
- Spent seven years at Arsenal, winning the FA Cup in 2020
- Completed an unbeaten domestic double with Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24
- Has made 139 caps for Switzerland
A promoted club is rarely allowed to sign a player with this level of pedigree, and Kryril Louis-Dreyfus and Co. have been widely praised for getting Xhaka to give up Champions League football for a move to Sunderland.
Not only will his qualities shine through on the pitch, but he also leads by example for the younger players in the dressing room.
Granit Xhaka can help improve Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki
Xhaka provided the match-winning assist against Brentford and has been praised by many pundits for his early-season performances.
Sitting at the base of midfield, his elite passing through the lines allows for Sadiki and Diarra to drive at opposition defences.
Whilst the performance against Crystal Palace was a backs-to-the-wall display, Sunderland have enjoyed more possession against Brentford and Burnley, whilst adapting their game and going direct in the opening day win against West Ham.
Diarra and Sadiki are in their early twenties, and the influence of Xhaka sitting alongside them projects confidence for both players to be expressive with the ball, knowing they have solid cover behind them.
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