Kieran Maguire pinpoints shrewd Sunderland signing to steer them from relegation
Sunderland completed so many superb signings that it would be tough to highlight one as the best.
Kieran Maguire expected Sunderland to spend substantially at the start of the summer and was absolutely right.
Indeed, the Black Cats spent more than any promoted club in history, with Habib Diarra a record signing at the Stadium of Light.
Now, Maguire has identified which of the Wearsiders’ acquisitions will be the most integral this season.
Kieran Maguire raves about Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka
While the Black Cats were going along swimmingly in the transfer window, they took a deep dive to convince Xhaka to move to the Stadium of Light.
Indeed, Xhaka wasted no time in impressing Regis Le Bris and was named as captain after a defining pre-season.
His early-season performances have been outstanding, and he just seems to be getting better and better.
Although the Wearsiders still have substantial work to do to avoid relegation in the Premier League, Maguire believes the Switzerland captain will be integral in achieving that.
“I think Xhaka is a superb signing because he’s the person who knows what to do when you’re 2-1 down and it’s 10 minutes to go, he said via Roker Report’s ‘Haway The Podcast’ on 19 September.
“If he’s going to go and sign a bunch of really exciting kids, they’ve got no leadership, so I think having that mixture in terms of player recruitment can be beneficial.”
How good has Granit Xhaka been in the Premier League?
Anyone who has watched Xhaka this season will know that his influence goes beyond what happens on the ball.
The Switzerland international seeps passion, and that is bound to influence the rest of Le Bris’ squad.
Xhaka has been instrumental in front of Sunderland’s backline and has provided calm and precision in midfield.
However, the 32-year-old has also demonstrated his nous in attack and has been towards the top of the charts for progressive passes in the final third.
Indeed, Maguire is right that it will be when the going gets tough that the midfielder will become crucial for the Black Cats.
There will be times when Sunderland need to dig deep, and Xhaka will be the man tasked with rallying his men.
While it will be a long season, Le Bris has the man to guide the Wearsiders towards Premier League survival.
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