Granit Xhaka’s departure from Bayer Leverkusen made headlines, while his move to Sunderland raised questions. But the transfer has been paid off.
As a midfielder, Granit Xhaka is known for his anticipation. And during AFC Sunderland’s sensational last-minute victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the Swiss player also had a premonition.
Even before Chemsdine Talbi’s shot for the 2-1 final score hit the net in the 93rd minute, Xhaka already raised his arms. A shaky clip of this went viral, with the “Black Cats” fans celebrating the 33-year-old for his clairvoyant abilities.
Granit Xhaka leads as captain at Sunderland
On the pitch, Xhaka has been convincing across the board at Sunderland so far. “Lucky charm Xhaka leads the way,” wrote the BBC . “Of the new signings Sunderland acquired in the summer, none has been more influential than Granit Xhaka.”
“Xhaka turns Sunderland into wonderland”
His somewhat hasty departure from Leverkusen made headlines – and left question marks. Why is Xhaka taking on the relegation battle in the Premier League? That was the general tenor.
“But he has spectacularly proven the critics wrong,” the BBC continued. Because: Sunderland is surprisingly competing in the top group of the Premier League. So thanks to Xhaka.
In his homeland, Blick cheered: “National team captain Xhaka turns Sunderland into wonderland. The Swiss Sunderland fairytale continues.” And for Sky Sports , he is “the best transfer of the season.”
Almost 188 million euros for new signings
There were quite a few at the club from northeast England. After returning to the Premier League, Sunderland almost completely overhauled the squad. Almost 188 million euros in transfer fees were invested in new signings – a record for a promoted team in England.
With the dramatic return to the English top flight in the playoff final against Sheffield United, the “Black Cats” reached the preliminary climax of their comeback story in the summer. That it was only preliminary is now apparent. Because with the sensational victory against club world champions Chelsea, Sunderland temporarily moved up to second place behind leaders Arsenal FC.
More points than Leicester in the fairytale 2015/16 season
Although Sunderland slipped to fourth place on Sunday – the 17 points after nine games remain exceptional. The promoted team actually has one point more on their account than Leicester City had at the same point in their fairytale championship season 2015/16.
Coach Régis Le Bris, however, continues to talk only about reaching 40 points. But the 49-year-old Frenchman, who previously headed the youth academy at FC Lorient and later coached the club, also notices a certain euphoria.
Régis Le Bris (r.) was happy about Sunderland’s victory at Stamford Bridge
“The mood in the club has been excellent so far,” said Le Bris. “That’s impressive. This cohesion we find not only within the team but throughout the entire club, including the fans. With such energy, you can achieve a lot of positive things, like today’s victory.”
The once again outstanding Xhaka also had a major share in this. The midfield star, who knows English football well from his time at Arsenal FC, won the most duels on the pitch against Chelsea, taking Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández out of the game. He did so without committing a single foul.
Xhaka is “like a second coach on the pitch”
At Sunderland, Xhaka was immediately appointed captain, and in the Premier League he hasn’t missed a single minute yet. With three assists, the midfield star is Sunderland’s best provider. He also has top statistics otherwise, creating the most goal-scoring opportunities for the “Black Cats” (eleven), having the most ball contacts, winning the most duels, and being the most successful ball distributor.
While last year in the Championship, Jobe Bellingham – who moved to Borussia Dortmund for 30 million euros – was one of the main pillars, now Xhaka is leading the way as a captain in a very special manner.
“Xhaka is the captain and sets standards every day,” said coach Le Bris. “On the pitch, he’s a really good footballer who likes to drive the team forward. He’s like a second coach on the pitch.”