Granit Xhaka level with Mohamed Salah for stat that has defined Sunderland’s season
Granit Xhaka is comfortably the best signing Sunderland made in the summer transfer window.
Sunderland fans will (painfully) remember the days when the likes of Darron Gibson and Didier Ndong were roaming their midfield, showcasing just how much things have changed over the last few months.
Now, they have Xhaka, who finished 16th in the Ballon d’Or rankings for 2024.
Since making the move from Bayer Leverkusen, Xhaka has been sensational for Sunderland, and his importance this season is showcased by the fact that he is level with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah for one area of his game.
No Sunderland player has created more big chances than Granit Xhaka
When Xhaka made the move to Wearside, rival fans (mainly those who were in denial) questioned whether the 33-year-old still had what it takes to thrive in the Premier League.
After seven games, it’s fair to say that those concerns have been squashed.
Via FotMob, Xhaka has created four big chances this season for Sunderland, which is a stat only bettered by Adam Wharton in the Premier League with five.
Salah, despite being the main threat in one of the best teams in the world, has also created four, demonstrating just how influential Xhaka has been for the Black Cats.
The Swiss international has registered three assists from those four big chances, which have directly earned Sunderland seven of their 11 points so far this season.
His leadership skills and experience at an elite level were common knowledge, but very few will have anticipated him having this much of an influence on the pitch, and long may that continue.
- Read more: ‘I was astonished by what Sunderland recently pulled off, they’re thriving now’ – Ian Darke
What have pundits said about Granit Xhaka this season?
Unsurprisingly, pundits have had nothing but good to say about Xhaka and the influence that he has had in the Premier League this season.
- Theo Walcott on Match of the Day – “He did surprise a lot of people when he joined Sunderland, but if they want to break the pattern and stay in the league, I think he’s a major factor. His leadership skills, the way he sets the behaviours, the patterns — it’s all there.”
- Phil Bardsley via Gambling.com – “He’s got a great pedigree, great experience, and he chips in with the odd goal as well – he’s got a wonderful left foot.”
- Paul Merson – “What a signing for Sunderland, Xhaka. What a signing. I’m not going to say they’re going to stay up because I think it’s still going to be a major struggle, but it gives them the slightest chance.”
- Alan Shearer – “I thought Granit Xhaka was fantastic in midfield.”
Robin Roefs is going to play a key role this season for Sunderland, but if the Black Cats do avoid the drop, Xhaka will be at the forefront of those efforts.
Their main task will be to keep him fit, and if they can achieve that, they have every chance of tasting success.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Sunderland news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@mackemnews247