Granit Xhaka’s resurgence at Sunderland is nothing short of remarkable—and it’s shaking up the Premier League in ways no one saw coming. Imagine a player once labeled a ‘pantomime villain’ at Arsenal now being hailed as the signing of the season. Yes, that’s Granit Xhaka, the 33-year-old midfielder who’s single-handedly propelled Sunderland into the top four, a position no one expected them to reach so early in their return to the top flight. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Xhaka’s success a testament to his own growth, or is it a reflection of Sunderland’s strategic brilliance in signing him? Let’s dive in.
When Sunderland secured Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen for £13 million last summer, few could have predicted the impact he’d have. Fast forward to now, and his stunning strike from outside the box against Everton not only earned Sunderland a 1-1 draw but also cemented their place in the Champions League spots—a quarter of the way through the season. And this is the part most people miss: Xhaka isn’t just leading Sunderland; he’s dominating league-wide statistics in ways that demand attention.
Consider this: Xhaka ranks among the top players in the Premier League across multiple metrics. He’s joint-11th for chances created, has nine set-piece opportunities (second only to two other players), and his 52 completed long passes trail only Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi—despite attempting nearly half as many. His three assists place him just outside the top tier, and his overall passing accuracy, balls into the box, and possession wins are all in the top 20. Oh, and did we mention he just scored his first Premier League goal since leaving Arsenal in 2023? It’s a transformation that’s left pundits and fans alike in awe.
Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports analyst, didn’t hold back in his praise: ‘He must be the signing of the season. Is there anyone in the Premier League having such an impact? Arguably not.’ Carragher doubled down after Xhaka’s man-of-the-match performance against Everton, calling him ‘head and shoulders above almost anyone else on that pitch.’ But it’s not just about the numbers. Xhaka’s leadership is the glue holding Sunderland’s young squad together.
Manager Regis Le Bris highlighted Xhaka’s role perfectly: ‘He’s really important because we have many young players and many new players in this league. They don’t know the conditions, and a player like Granit, with his experience, is invaluable. He sets the standards.’ Former Sunderland defender Jonny Evans echoed this sentiment, calling Xhaka the ‘only one on the squad with real experience’ and praising his reliability and performance level.
Xhaka’s journey to this point is as intriguing as his current success. After a tumultuous seven-year stint at Arsenal, where he was sent off five times and even stripped of the captaincy following a clash with fans, he found redemption at Bayer Leverkusen. Under Xabi Alonso, he won the title in an unbeaten 2023-24 season. Yet, despite Erik ten Hag’s insistence that he wouldn’t be sold, Xhaka made the move to Sunderland—a decision that coincided with Ten Hag’s sacking just weeks into the season. Coincidence? Or a calculated risk that paid off?
Xhaka himself reflects on his return to England with humility: ‘I didn’t expect to come back after Germany, but you never know where you land. To be back made me happy. I knew the project—to bring experience and show the guys day by day. Scoring that goal? It makes me happy.’ His transformation from Arsenal’s ‘villain’ to Sunderland’s talisman is a story of resilience and growth.
Marco Gabbiadini, former Sunderland striker, summed it up perfectly on BBC Radio Newcastle: ‘He exemplifies a top professional. At Arsenal, he was often seen as a villain, but over the years, we’ve seen him mature. He’s more measured, calmer—a better professional. He’s a talisman for this young squad.’ But here’s the bold question: Can Xhaka sustain this level for 38 games? And if Sunderland finish in the top 10—or even just stay up—will he be remembered as one of their greatest signings?
As we watch Xhaka’s story unfold, it’s hard not to wonder: Is this the redemption arc of the decade? Or is there more to this comeback than meets the eye? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Xhaka’s success is a personal triumph, or is Sunderland’s strategy the real hero here?
