Granit Xhaka leads Premier League newcomer FC Sunderland with his experience – and receives much praise.
Granit Xhaka had a slight smile on his face. “It’s always nice to score the first goal for a new club. Everyone knows that I am very happy here,” said the leader of Premier League promoting side AFC Sunderland after his premiere goal, which in the end “only” led to a 1-1 draw against FC Everton.
And the result annoyed Xhaka: The expectations in Sunderland have shifted after a furious start to the season. “We are half disappointed, half satisfied,” said the ex-Leverkusen player, whose new club is in a sensational fourth place in England’s top league after ten games – level on points with champion FC Liverpool.
Xhaka (33) leads the second youngest squad in the league (25.03 years) – and receives much praise for his leadership role. “A player like Granit, with his experience so far, is really important for us,” coach Régis Le Bris raved on Monday evening: “He sets standards.”
Xhaka had also done that in Leverkusen for two years, leading the Werkself to a double win as a tactician in midfield in 2024. In the summer, the Swiss international wanted to get away from the Rhineland as quickly as possible as part of Leverkusen’s XXL upheaval – and found a new challenge in Sunderland.
Next weekend, Xhaka will have a special reunion when Arsenal FC visits the Stadium of Light. He had experienced highs and lows with the Gunners in seven years (2016-2023).
“It will be an emotional game for me. I had incredible years there,” said Xhaka, who does not want to hide with his new club against the league leaders: “We will try everything to get something. We know where they are good and where they are not so good. At the moment they have a lot of self-confidence. But so do we.”