Granit Xhaka has established himself as a phenomenon at Sunderland, providing immediate and profound tactical and cultural authority that national pundits are only now recognizing, while local observers hail him as potentially the club’s most influential signing in history.
National pundits Wayne Rooney and Micah Richards recently praised Granit Xhaka as the “signing of the season,” a revelation already old news on Wearside.
Sunderland supporters have recognized Xhaka’s seismic influence since August, viewing him not just as the season’s best signing, but potentially the club’s “most influential signing ever, relative to time served.”
His phenomenal impact has quickly shifted the narrative and raised the bar for the club.
Xhaka’s authority was clear in the derby win over Newcastle United, where he stood bloodied and central to the victory.
The article notes, “What separates Xhaka is not just what he does, but how he does it,” stating that when possession reaches him, “time stands still and the match bends to his will.”
He outshone rivals Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali, tactically and emotionally controlling the pivotal fixture.
Beyond matchdays, Xhaka’s leadership is setting new standards, greeting academy players by name and attending youth games.
His quick imposition has been extraordinary, with the author noting, “Great signings change teams. Rare ones change clubs. Xhaka is doing both.”
His decision to join Sunderland is already seen as a defining moment for the club’s ownership and future.