Sunderland star labelled ‘signing of the summer’ after what he’s done
Sunderland had a busy summer window, as 15 new faces came through the door as the club prepared for life in the Premier League.
The summer business continued to prove fruitful, with new signing Omar Alderete scoring against Nottingham Forest to move the side up to fifth in the league.
Nordi Mukiele has impressed in Sunderland’s defence since making the switch to English football from Paris Saint-Germain.
While the new-look Black Cats have seemingly all exceeded expectations, there is one player has been lorded above the rest.
Granit Xhaka is back at his best
Xhaka has made an impact at Sunderland since he arrived from Bayer Leverkusen, adding quality in the middle of the park as well as vital experience and leadership for just £13 million.
- Only Jack Grealish has more assists than Xhaka in the league
- Bruno Fernandes is the only midfielder to have completed more long balls than Xhaka
- Xhaka is first for most accurate passes per game at Sunderland
Regis Le Bris handed Xhaka the captaincy after he impressed his new boss upon arrival.
Sky Sports‘ Adam Bate has now made a bold claim about the Swiss international in his piece ‘The Debrief.’
Bate said: “Even before a ball had been kicked, Granit Xhaka to Sunderland looked like it might be the signing of the summer. The feeling was that the midfielder belonged at a Champions League club.
“While Sadiki is helping Xhaka, it pales in comparison to how he is helping his relatively inexperienced teammates. The former Bayer Leverkusen man’s leadership skills make others better.
“Recent history would suggest that success for Sunderland is staying in the Premier League. The early signs are that this team can aim higher. Given Xhaka’s role in making that feel possible, he is the signing of the season so far.“
Xhaka has shown his class throughout every game so far and has rightly been applauded for it.
- Read more: Three Sunderland players who have picked themselves at Man United after win vs Nottingham Forest
Sunderland have been exceptional in midfield
Le Bris has preferred Noah Sadiki as Xhaka’s partner in midfield, and together they have become formidable.
Sadiki is 13 years younger than his captain, but the combination of energy and composure has been crucial in the Red and White Army’s fast start.
Against Forest, the 20-year-old won six of his eight ground duels and covered more ground than anyone else on the pitch, while maintaining a 94 per cent pass accuracy.
Xhaka, meanwhile, completed nine out of 10 attempted long passes, had a key pass, an assist, and created a big chance.
The way the midfield has dovetailed beautifully has given license to the forward players to shine and full-backs to commit forward.
The pair have been the heartbeat of this side and their form will be crucial in any success the Stadium of Light may cheer this season.
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