Granit Xhaka: Sunderland’s New Messiah or Just Another Overrated Signing? The Debate Rages On!
Sunderland AFC has a storied history, rich with ups and downs, triumphs and tribulations. For thirty years, I have witnessed the evolution of this club and the players who have donned the red and white stripes. Throughout this journey, the list of truly inspirational captains has been disappointingly short. While figures like Kevin Ball and Steve Bould have left their mark, the club has often lacked a true leader, someone who embodies the spirit of Sunderland and can galvanize the team in times of adversity.
Enter Granit Xhaka, a player whose arrival at Sunderland has sparked a wave of excitement and skepticism alike. The summer signing from Arsenal has not only brought his considerable talent to the squad but has also raised the bar for what it means to be a Sunderland player. His presence on the pitch is palpable; he leads by example, instilling a winning mentality that has been sorely missing in recent years. For younger supporters, Xhaka’s signing represents a seismic shift, akin to the buzz surrounding the club’s rumored pursuit of Diego Forlan in 2007.
Xhaka’s pedigree is undeniable. With a history of success at Arsenal and international acclaim, his credentials are impressive. He arrived in Wearside not just as a player but as a potential game-changer for Sunderland. The early stages of the season have already illustrated his impact, particularly in a recent match against Everton where he played a pivotal role in the team’s comeback from a goal down.
In that match, Sunderland faced a formidable challenge after Iliman NDiaye scored for Everton. The team needed to dig deep, and Xhaka was at the forefront of that effort. His relentless pursuit of the ball, coupled with his fierce tackling, demonstrated a commitment to the cause that resonated with both teammates and fans. Even when he made a few errors, his influence remained central to Sunderland’s revival. His equalizer, while perhaps fortunate, showcased his ability to be in the right place at the right time, a hallmark of great players.
Xhaka’s style of play draws comparisons to legendary figures in sports, such as Wayne Gretzky, who demanded excellence from his teammates. Xhaka has a similar effect on Sunderland’s relatively young squad. He inspires those around him to elevate their game, ensuring that no situation feels insurmountable. This leadership quality is crucial for a team that has faced its share of challenges in the Premier League.
Critics may question whether Xhaka can maintain his form in the Premier League, especially given the skepticism surrounding his move. However, his performances thus far suggest that Sunderland has made a shrewd acquisition. He has quickly grasped the expectations of the supporters, becoming a figure that fans can rally behind. This connection is vital for a club that thrives on community and shared passion.
As the season progresses, Xhaka’s contributions will likely continue to shape Sunderland’s trajectory. His assists and goal contributions, such as those against Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, highlight his ability to not only score but also create opportunities for others. This dual-threat capability is essential for a team looking to solidify its position in the Premier League.
Looking ahead, one can only hope that years from now, Sunderland supporters will reminisce about Xhaka’s time at the club with fondness. The prospect of him becoming a local legend, someone who never has to pay for a drink in Sunderland, is tantalizing. His presence could mark a turning point in the club’s fortunes, potentially leading to a brighter future in the Premier League.
Sunderland’s history is filled with moments of brilliance, but truly world-class midfielders have been a rarity. Granit Xhaka has the potential to change that narrative, bringing not only skill but also a winning mentality that could inspire a new generation of Sunderland players and fans. The excitement surrounding his signing is palpable, and as the season unfolds, the hope is that he can lead Sunderland back to the heights that the club once knew.
During my thirty-year love affair with Sunderland AFC, the list of Lads’ captains I could honestly describe as truly inspirational; players with whom you’d want to be in the trenches when the chips were down and the odds of success stacked against you isn’t exactly lengthy.
Double promotion-winning skipper Kevin Ball was one. Steve Bould was another and the likes of Dan Neil also did a fine job, but assuming we can discount Dean Whitehead and Gary Breen as merely effective skippers as opposed to truly totemic presences in the red and white ranks, we’ve not exactly been blessed with legions of generational torch-bearers.
That is, until now, because the current wearer of the armband is a man who not only leads by example but has lifted the standards around the entire first team, bringing a winning attitude and a hard-nosed, no-nonsense approach to everything he does: Granit Xhaka.
At the risk of sounding starstruck, our summer pursuit and eventual signing of Xhaka is something I still haven’t fully got to grips with and for the younger generation of Sunderland supporters, it surely represents one of the most jaw-dropping signings we’ve ever made; a genuine “He now plays for us?!?” moment.
Fans of a certain vintage may remember when, back in the summer of 2007, we were “linked” with a move for then-Villarreal striker Diego Forlan. Of course, nothing eventually came of that but when Xhaka touched down on Wearside, bringing with him trophy-winning pedigree and world class credentials as a top twenty Ballon D’Or candidate, it felt like a genuine game changer for our club, something that’s been borne out during the early stages of the season.
Xhaka’s latest tour de force — an utterly inspirational display as we rallied from 0-1 down to secure a solid home draw with Everton — was the latest in a lengthy run of powerhouse performances from the Swiss international midfielder, and Jamie Carragher’s post-match appraisal on Monday Night Football told a story in its own right.
After the Lads fell behind thanks to a superb goal from Iliman NDiaye, we were forced to dig into our reserves of resilience once again and although even he was guilty of one or two slack passes, the former Arsenal captain was at the heart of the revival as we prevented David Moyes from exacting some form of revenge on his former club.
He chased relentlessly, tackled with gusto and was on hand to haul us level as we made the perfect start to the second half — which we eventually dominated and could well have used as the springboard for victory.
It was once said of Wayne Gretzky that during his Stanley Cup-winning heyday with the Edmonton Oilers, he would force his teammates to play up to his level or they would be embarrassed.
In my view, the same is true of Xhaka and although he’s one of many incredibly accomplished technical footballers in the ranks, what sets him apart is the way in which he inspires everyone — teammates and fans alike — as well as his ability to drive a young and relatively inexperienced Premier League side forward and ensure that there’s no such thing as a cause that’s lost.
His equaliser against Everton might’ve been blessed with a touch of good fortune but he was in the right position to take advantage of any break of the ball, and as we saw with his assists for Wilson Isidor during our clash with Aston Villa and Omar Alderete against Nottingham Forest, he’s more then capable of setting up goals for others as well.
There might’ve been a bit of scepticism from rival fans when he joined Sunderland (“Can he still do it in the Premier League?”, and so on), but based on the evidence of what we’ve seen so far, it looks like an utterly inspired piece of business — something that shows exactly how far we’ve travelled in recent times. He’s clearly developed a keen understanding of what our supporters expect to see from the players and in turn, the fans have found a true hero — one of many — behind which they can throw their weight.
Years from now, hopefully when we’re continuing to progress as a Premier League team and Xhaka never has to pay for a drink or a meal in Sunderland again, we’ll be able to look back and reflect on the fact that yes, he did once wear the red and white stripes and that it wasn’t a dream — and we’ll smile when we do so.
Truly world class midfielders haven’t passed this way very often, but he’s just that kind of player and we’re very lucky to have him.