Owen Hargreaves shares what every Sunderland fan already knows about Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka has proven himself to be one of the best midfielders in Europe at this moment in time, with Owen Hargreaves the latest to heap praise on the Sunderland gem.
Xhaka has been an unbelievable signing for Sunderland this season, with the Switzerland international’s experience proving to be invaluable in the middle of the pitch.
Having joined the Black Cats from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer transfer window, the 33-year-old has been a mainstay at the base of Sunderland‘s midfield.
Xhaka has been instrumental to Sunderland’s progression, and Hargreaves has listed him among the best players in the Premier League.
Granit Xhaka amongst the Premier League’s best
At the Stadium of Light, Xhaka has added an elite level of quality to the team, with his influence off the pitch also helping develop several young players in the squad.
Speaking on TNT Sports ahead of Tottenham’s clash against Man United on Saturday, Hargreaves waxed lyrical about Xhaka‘s impact on the team.
He said: “Having someone like Xhaka, who has been a captain for his country and Bayer Leverkusen, he gets what it means to play for Sunderland.
“You can argue that he’s in the conversation with Erling Haaland, Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo as one of the best players in the league this season.
| Games played | 10 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Pass accuracy (percentage) | 83. |
| Long ball accuracy (percentage) | 59.8 |
| Chances created | 16 |
| Touches | 717 |
Xhaka’s impressive performances earned him a nomination for the September Player of the Month award, yet Erling Haaland was announced as the winner on 10 October.
Sunderland have a world-class midfielder on their hands, with his calming presence in the spine of the team allowing for Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra to flourish in the early parts of the season.
Regis Le Bris will be over the moon with how his captain has slotted into the side, and the Switzerland international typifies everything that’s brilliant about this Sunderland team.
Ahead of Sunderland’s match against Arsenal, Xhaka will play a key role in ensuring that his side are as disciplined as possible.
Sunderland have learnt what it takes to be successful in Premier League
Xhaka spent seven years at Arsenal, winning the FA Cup in 2020 under Mikel Arteta.
The league leaders have been in scintillating form this season, conceding only three goals in all competitions this season.
Sunderland have been excellent defensively, and their versatile style of play against different opposition has been incredibly impressive.
Hargreaves added: “Sunderland have been absolutely remarkable. I think they’ve seen the teams come up and try to play possession football, yet they’ve been absolutely hammered and gone straight back down.
The Black Cats are likely to play a back five against the Gunners, similar to how they set up against Chelsea, and if they are to get a result, Xhaka’s quality on the ball will be crucial.
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