Sam Allardyce hails Sunderland mastermind as the best in the Premier League
Sam Allardyce believes that Sunderland have the best player in the league for a specific position.
Sunderland fell to a 1-0 defeat away to Fulham last time out, though that has done little to take away from what has been a marvellous campaign for the Black Cats.
Bournemouth are the opponents next up for Sunderland, who could move back up to third in the Premier League with a win on Saturday.
Their start to the season has certainly been a collective effort, though Allardyce has pinpointed the one man who has been crucial to it.
Granit Xhaka named as the best in the league
Whether it be Robin Roefs’ heroics in goal, Nordi Mukiele shining in defence, or Granit Xhaka pulling the strings in midfield, Sunderland have had several players who have been influential on their Premier League return.
However, it is the latter who gets the most credit, for obvious reasons.
Aside from Sunderland‘s defeat to Fulham, Xhaka has been immense for the Black Cats week in, week out, even earning praise from the likes of Alan Shearer and co.
This time, it is Allardyce who has picked out the 33-year-old, and when speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, the former Sunderland boss named him as the best number six in the Premier League.
He said: “I’m going to say one that nobody would pick, and that’s Xhaka at Sunderland because they are in, what is it? What position are they now, Sunderland?
“Fifth? sixth? And he has masterminded the start of the season with his experience and his intelligence and his play and his creativity, as well as his defensive policy.
“So it’s like he’s on a new lease of life as he’s come back and he looks like he’s enjoying every minute of it now.”
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Even Mikel Arteta agrees with Sam Allardyce
Mikel Arteta wasn’t as strong with his opinion on Xhaka as Allardyce was, but he, too, has piled the praise on his former captain already this season.
Via The Standard, the Gunners boss said: “Well, with the impact he’s having, one of the best [signings this season] I would say.
“I think what they’ve done as a football club as well in the last few years is very impressive, the management and the decision that they’ve taken and how stable they look and how they have started the season, so really impressive.”
It hasn’t just been his ability, which, may I add, has been remarkable to watch, but his influence off the pitch has been just as important.
Xhaka has instilled a mentality at the Stadium of Light that has already worn off on those around him, and his experience at the top level is having a major impact.
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