Granit Xhaka's Impact at Sunderland: A Game-Changer in the Premier League
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has been hailed as the signing of the season, and his recent performance has only reinforced that claim.
Since joining the Black Cats from Bayer Leverkusen for £13 million this summer, the now 33-year-old midfielder has exceeded expectations. His stunning long-range effort secured a 1-1 draw against Everton, propelling Sunderland back into the top four of the Premier League, a position that could lead to Champions League qualification for the newly promoted side.
“He must be the signing of the season,” remarked former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports prior to the match. “Is there anyone in the Premier League having such an impact anywhere? Arguably not.”
After the game, in which Xhaka was named man of the match, Carragher further praised him: “He was excellent again, head and shoulders above almost anyone else on that pitch.”
Assessing Xhaka's Impact
Xhaka leads his Sunderland teammates in nearly every key performance metric, and his statistics place him among the top players in the league. He has recorded three assists, with only three players having more (all with four), and ranks joint-11th for chances created. Furthermore, only two players have provided more opportunities from set-pieces than his total of nine.
Among outfield players, only Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi has completed more long passes than Xhaka's 52, despite Xhaka attempting significantly fewer long passes (87 compared to Senesi's 138). He also ranks in the top 20 for total passes (552), balls delivered into the box (56), and possession won (49). Additionally, Xhaka scored his first Premier League goal since his final match with Arsenal, where he netted twice against Wolves on the last day of the 2022-23 season.
Former Sunderland defender Jonny Evans commented on Sky Sports, stating, “He is the only one in the squad with real experience. They can rely on him for anything, and his performance level is excellent.”
From Arsenal to Sunderland: A New Chapter
This marks Xhaka's second stint in England after making 297 appearances for Arsenal between 2016 and 2023. Following his time at Arsenal, he joined Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the title under Xabi Alonso in their unbeaten domestic season in 2023-24. Erik ten Hag, then in charge of Leverkusen, had insisted that Xhaka would not be sold this summer, but the midfielder ultimately transferred to Sunderland shortly before Ten Hag's dismissal.
“I didn’t expect to come back after Germany, but you never know where you land,” Xhaka said. “To be back made me happy. I knew the project was about bringing experience and showing the guys day by day. It makes me happy to score a goal.”
Xhaka's time at Arsenal was tumultuous; he was often viewed as a pantomime villain, receiving five red cards and clashing with fans during his tenure. However, he found stability under Mikel Arteta, becoming an integral part of the squad before departing for Germany.
Carragher noted, “After what he went through at Arsenal, he showed great character to come back from that. The impact he has had—if he can help Sunderland finish in the top 10 or simply stay up—will ensure he is remembered for a long time.”
Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle, “He exemplifies a top professional. At times during his Arsenal career, he was perceived as a villain. Over the years, we have seen him mature and develop. He is now a more measured and composed player, which is beneficial for a young squad. He is a talisman for the team, and we need to keep him fit for all 38 games.”