Granit Xhaka reveal showcases just how wrong rival fans were about Sunderland’s summer signing
Let’s face it, Granit Xhaka has been the driving force behind the success that Sunderland have found so far this season.
With Sunderland gearing up for their trip to Chelsea, a lot of the focus is on the changes that Regis Le Bris could make to his side off the back of their 2-0 win at home to Wolves.
Omar Alderete will miss Sunderland’s clash at Stamford Bridge through concussion, while the remaining injury list is still as it was.
However, Xhaka is one of several players who are nailed on to start in the capital this weekend, and after what he has done this season, fans of various clubs have been very quiet.
Fans really though that Granit Xhaka was finished
If you’ve watched any of Sunderland‘s games this season, you will be fully aware of how crucial Xhaka has been in them.
Whether it be through assisting goals or showcasing his leadership on the pitch, he has been at the heart of everything good that the Black Cats have done since returning to the Premier League.
Xhaka’s stats this season for Sunderland
- Three assists
- 10 chances created
- 369 completed passes
- 50 duels won
- 10 interceptions
At 33 years old, the general consensus from rival fans was that he was finished and that his legs had gone.
How wrong were they…
According to Gradient Sports, no player has covered more distance than the midfielder, who has clocked a remarkable 89.29km in his first eight appearances.
On the ball and off of it, Xhaka has simply been everywhere for the Wearsiders, and has showcased to every Premier League supporter that he still has the quality that once saw him finish 16th in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
Granit Xhaka’s record vs Chelsea should spark optimism
Sunderland will need Xhaka to be at his best for Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge, and based on his recent history against the Blues, there is little risk of that not being the case.
Across all competitions, he has faced off against Chelsea on 17 occasions, coming out as the winner 10 times.
Four have ended in a draw, while the 33-year-old has only suffered defeat against his former rivals on three occasions.
With two goals and three assists to his name in that time, the Black Cats will be hoping he registers his first goal contribution of the season, and helps the Wearsiders pick up another huge three points.
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