Is Xhaka the Signing of the Season? Rooney Thinks So!

Granit Xhaka, the Sunderland captain, has quickly become a pivotal figure in the Premier League, with one goal and three assists to his name this season. His impressive performance has drawn praise from former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who claims Xhaka could be "the signing of the season." Sunderland's strong return to the Premier League is largely attributed to Xhaka's experience and leadership, as the team currently sits fourth in the league after 11 matches.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As Sunderland continues its impressive performance in the Premier League, Granit Xhaka's role has been central to their success. The Black Cats are currently in fourth place with 19 points, demonstrating a strong start after their promotion from the Championship. Xhaka's contributions on the pitch have been significant, as he leads the team in several key metrics, including assists and successful passes. His ability to perform under pressure is especially crucial for Sunderland, who aim to secure their primary goal of staying in the Premier League this season.

Key takeaways

Granit Xhaka has scored one goal and provided three assists for Sunderland this season.
Wayne Rooney has labelled Xhaka as "probably the signing of the season."
Sunderland currently sits fourth in the Premier League after 11 matches.
Xhaka brings valuable experience and leadership to a relatively young squad.
He played every minute of Sunderland's league games so far this season.

Timeline: how we got here

Granit Xhaka joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial fee of £13 million in the summer of 2023. His transfer followed Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League after the 2022-2023 Championship season. Since the start of the current Premier League season on 12 August 2023, Xhaka has been a consistent presence, playing every minute of Sunderland's matches. His impact has been felt immediately, with the team's strong positioning in the league reflecting his contributions.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent discussions surrounding Xhaka have highlighted his importance to Sunderland, particularly with Wayne Rooney's recent comments praising his performance. The team's current league standing is also a fresh update, showcasing the immediate results of Xhaka's leadership and skills.

What was already established

Xhaka's reputation as a skilled midfielder with a tumultuous history at Arsenal had been well-known prior to his transfer. His experience in high-pressure situations, both in the Premier League and internationally, positioned him as a valuable asset for Sunderland. Historically, his tenure at Arsenal included notable highs, such as winning two FA Cups, alongside challenges that tested his character.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Sunderland's strong performance in the Premier League may have broader implications for local businesses and fans. A successful football club can enhance community spirit and support local economies through increased matchday revenues and local spending. As Sunderland seeks to maintain its Premier League status, its success could lead to a more vibrant local economy.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses in Sunderland and the surrounding areas, the club's rising success can translate into increased foot traffic and patronage on match days. Local pubs, restaurants, and merchandise stores may experience growth in sales as fans rally around the team. Moreover, as Sunderland continues to perform well, there could be job opportunities in hospitality and retail sectors catering to the increased number of visitors.

Policy and regulation

In terms of policy, Sunderland's success may prompt discussions around local government support for community initiatives linked to the club. Additionally, the club's standing in the league could influence funding for local sports programmes, encouraging youth engagement in football and sports in general.

Numbers that matter

4 – Sunderland's current position in the Premier League table.
19 – Points accumulated by Sunderland after 11 matches this season.
1 – Goal scored by Xhaka this season.
3 – Assists provided by Xhaka, leading the team in this category.
297 – Total appearances made by Xhaka during his time at Arsenal.

Definitions and jargon buster

Premier League: The top tier of professional football in England.
FA Cup: An annual knockout football competition in England.
Assists: A statistic that credits a player for setting up a goal.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, Sunderland will aim to consolidate its position in the Premier League by continuing to secure points. Key fixtures against competitive teams will test their resilience and the effectiveness of Xhaka's leadership.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, Sunderland will need to maintain their form and adapt to the rigours of the Premier League. Xhaka's experience will be vital as the team navigates injuries and fixture congestion during the winter months.

Signals to watch

Performance in upcoming matches, particularly against top-six teams.
Injury reports and squad depth as the season progresses.
Fan engagement and support metrics, such as match attendance and local business activity.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local businesses on match days to benefit from Sunderland's success.
Keep an eye on Sunderland’s fixtures and results to stay engaged with the team’s performance.
Encourage youth participation in sports, inspired by the local football club.

Don’t

Overlook the importance of team morale and community support in sports.
Neglect the role of experienced players like Xhaka in mentoring younger team members.
Assume the current league position will remain static without continued effort.

Checklist

Check Sunderland's upcoming fixtures.
Monitor local business promotions on match days.
Follow updates on Xhaka's performance and contributions.
Engage with community sports initiatives related to Sunderland AFC.
Stay informed about the Premier League standings and statistics.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Sunderland's current form is impressive, the unpredictability of the Premier League means that maintaining this level of performance will be challenging. Injuries, fatigue, and the form of competing teams can significantly impact Sunderland's league standing. Additionally, Xhaka's role as a leader may be tested as the season progresses, particularly if the team faces a losing streak or difficult fixtures.

Bottom line

Granit Xhaka's impact at Sunderland has been significant, contributing to the team's strong start in the Premier League. As the season unfolds, his leadership will be crucial in guiding the team through challenges. Sunderland's ambitions of staying in the top tier hinge on maintaining their current form and leveraging the experience of players like Xhaka.

FAQs

What has Granit Xhaka contributed to Sunderland this season?

Granit Xhaka has scored one goal and provided three assists, making him a key player for Sunderland in their current Premier League campaign.

Why is Xhaka considered the signing of the season?

Wayne Rooney and others have praised Xhaka for his leadership, experience, and significant contributions to Sunderland's strong performance in the league.

How is Sunderland performing in the Premier League?

Sunderland currently ranks fourth in the Premier League, having accumulated 19 points after 11 matches, marking a successful return to the top flight.