Granit Xhaka developments ‘unsurprising’ as Bundesliga expert lauds Sunderland star
Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard says it is no surprise that Granit Xhaka has impressed since his move to Sunderland.
Sunderland face Everton on Monday night, and if the Black Cats can secure all three points, they will move up to second in the Premier League.
That wouldn’t be a coincidence either; Sunderland really have been that impressive, and Xhaka has been at the heart of it.
Hatchard previously hailed Xhaka’s importance at Leverkusen, and has since spoken about how his impact at Sunderland was to be expected.
Sunderland have a survival cheat code with Granit Xhaka
Xhaka is already emerging as a candidate for Premier League player of the season, though with Erling Haaland and the likes to contend with, he has competition.
The rhetoric that he was finished or had lost his legs has been curtailed by the fact that no other player had covered more distance than the 33-year-old after the first nine games of the season.
His influence on the ball has been sublime, but his impact off of it has been even better, with Hatchard praising the Swiss international in a post on his X account.
He said: “Granit Xhaka’s impact at Sunderland is unsurprising, but still highly impressive.
“Top for assists, possession won, touches, successful passes, duels won, distance covered, passes into final third. Leader.”
What has Regis Le Bris said about Granit Xhaka
Everton may be favourites to beat Sunderland on Monday, but as long as Xhaka is in the team, they have a genuine chance of beating anyone in this league, as showcased by their latest win away to Chelsea.
His displays have caught the attention of everyone, with Regis Le Bris hailing his captain ahead of the clash with the Toffees.
- Three assists
- 11 chances created
- 398 completed passes
- 82.2% pass accuracy
- 17 tackles
- 56 duels won
- 62.2% duel win rate
“Granit leads by example,” Le Bris said as quoted by The Guardian.
“He gives us faith and hope. On the pitch, he micro-manages situations. He solves problems.”
Xhaka’s leadership has arguably been the most crucial aspect to the success that Sunderland have found so far this season, and long may that continue heading into the festive schedule.
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