Contents
- Introduction
- Promotion Surge & the Xhaka Effect
- Why Wayne Rooney Calls Him “Signing of the Season”
- Career Resurgence: From Arsenal Trials to Revival
- Stats That Prove His Impact Beyond Numbers
- Tactical & Mental Leadership: Dual Influence
- What’s Next: Sunderland’s Evolution with Xhaka
- Conclusion: The Power of Experience and Passion
Introduction
The newly‑promoted club Sunderland has captured the imagination of football fans by launching a startlingly good start in the Premier League this season. At the centre of this transformation is the experienced Swiss international midfielder Granit Xhaka. 0
Thanks to his arrival, the club has swiftly regained momentum and advanced into the upper echelon of the Premier League standings within just a few months. This season’s Sunderland surge could well be called the “Xhaka effect”.
Promotion Surge & the Xhaka Effect
Despite being a newly promoted team, Sunderland are performing remarkably well. After 11 league games they find themselves in fourth place — a position far beyond many experts’ expectations. 1
Playing in the heart of midfield, Xhaka orchestrates attacks from deep, while reading the game to prevent danger on the defensive side. His presence has brought a sense of composure and stability to a squad that is relatively young. 2
Why Wayne Rooney Calls Him “Signing of the Season”
Former England captain Wayne Rooney hailed Xhaka as “probably the signing of the season”. He observed that with so many young players in the squad, Xhaka acts almost like a father‐figure, helping the coach and players alike. 3
Rooney added: “Sunderland have got a very young squad. He’d almost be like a father figure … he’ll be a big help for the coach as well as the players.” 4
Career Resurgence: From Arsenal Trials to Revival
Xhaka spent seven years at Arsenal (2016‑2023), amassing nearly 300 appearances. However his journey was not without hardship — after clashes with supporters and losing his captaincy, his position seemed unstable. 5
He then moved to Bayer Leverkusen, where he played a key role in their title‑winning campaign and rebuilt his career. 6
Now, at 33, he returns to the Premier League with Sunderland and embodies a mature leader capable of guiding younger teammates and raising a club’s ambitions.
Stats That Prove His Impact Beyond Numbers
This season Xhaka has appeared in every league match, scored 1 goal and provided 3 assists so far. 7
Defensively he ranks among the top in duel victories and interceptions, and offensively his pass accuracy and distance covered place him high among Premier League midfielders. 8
As the “metronome” of the midfield, his ability to switch from defence to attack instantly has helped Sunderland play at a higher level than many expected for a newly‑promoted team.
Tactical & Mental Leadership: Dual Influence
The true value of Xhaka’s presence cannot be captured solely by statistics. On the pitch he constantly instructs younger teammates, adjusts positioning, and keeps the team focused even in difficult moments. 9
Coach Régis Le Bris has praised him as “the second coach on the pitch”, underscoring how his leadership and experience have become a symbol for the entire club culture. 10
What’s Next: Sunderland’s Evolution with Xhaka
Looking ahead, Sunderland are set to face a series of challenging matches against big Premier League clubs. How Xhaka guides the team in these tests will be a major focus. His experience and leadership are arguably the club’s greatest strengths as they aim to maintain their upward momentum.
At 33, he continues to evolve, and playing in the Premier League at this stage of his career showcases his professionalism and hunger for success. His presence is not just beneficial for now, but for the club’s future and the development of younger players.
Conclusion: The Power of Experience and Passion
The claim that Xhaka is “the signing of the season” is far from hyperbole. His arrival has elevated Sunderland both tactically and mentally, transforming them into a more mature, cohesive team. On the pitch his performance is impressive; off the pitch his mentorship of younger teammates has become a driving force.
From overcoming difficulties at Arsenal to resurrecting his career and embracing a new challenge in the Premier League, his journey is defined by wisdom and passion. With Xhaka leading the way, Sunderland’s story this season could become one of the most compelling in Premier League history.
Football fans around the world are now watching how Xhaka and his club continue to write this new chapter. He is more than just a player — he is a symbol of leadership, resilience and transformation.
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