Wayne Rooney Praises Granit Xhaka as ‘Signing of the Season’
Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has praised Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, calling him “probably the signing of the season” after the Black Cats’ impressive start to their Premier League campaign.
Sunderland, who returned to the top flight this season, are currently sitting in fourth place after 11 games with 19 points. This strong performance puts them well on track to achieve their primary goal of avoiding relegation.
Xhaka, a former Arsenal midfielder, has played a key role in the team’s success. His experience and leadership have been vital for the squad. The 33-year-old joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window for an initial fee of £13 million.
Rooney shared his thoughts on Xhaka’s impact during an appearance onThe Wayne Rooney Show. He said:
“Coming back to the Premier League, you wonder if he can do it. Obviously, with a promoted team as well coming up, what impact could he have? But he’s probably been the signing of the season. He has been brilliant.”
Rooney highlighted Xhaka’s resilience and character, particularly during his time at Arsenal when he faced difficult moments with the fans. He noted that Xhaka managed to overcome those challenges and continue performing at a high level.
“When he had the situation with Arsenal, when he fell out with the fans, it showed his character to go and play for Arsenal again. To get through that and then go and perform for Arsenal, and then at Leverkusen to be part of a team to beat Bayern Munich to the title for the first time in over 10 years, has shown what a good player he is.”
Sunderland has a young squad, and Xhaka’s presence as a captain is helping to provide guidance and stability. Rooney believes Xhaka is acting as a father figure to the younger players, which is crucial for the team’s development.
“They’ve got a very young squad as well. He’d almost be like a father figure, and he’ll be a big help for the coach as well to be the in-between man as captain. And they made a lot of signings in the summer, he’ll be a massive help for the manager and with them players, for sure, using his experience,” he added.
Key Factors Behind Xhaka’s Success
- Leadership:Xhaka’s experience and calm demeanor have helped stabilize the team.
- Resilience:His ability to overcome challenges at previous clubs has proven his character.
- Teamwork:He plays a vital role in connecting the defense and midfield, providing a link between the backline and the forwards.
Impact on Sunderland’s Squad
Sunderland’s recent success can be attributed to several factors, including strategic signings and strong performances from key players. Xhaka’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and improving their chances of securing a place in the Premier League for the long term.
With the season still in its early stages, Xhaka’s influence on the team is expected to grow. His leadership and experience will be critical as the Black Cats aim to build on their current form and achieve even greater success.