Key Highlights
- Granit Xhaka captaining Sunderland to a successful top-flight return.
- Xhaka described by Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris as “a second coach on the pitch.”
- The 33-year-old’s defensive reliability and experience key to Sunderland’s early season success.
- Xhaka’s influence seen in his goal-scoring and set-piece duties, adding five points for Sunderland this term.
Granit Xhaka’s Journey: From Arsenal Midfielder to Sunderland’s Captain
Saturday 8th November 2025 marks a significant date in the Premier League as Granit Xhaka faces his former club Arsenal for the first time since leaving the Gunners. The Swiss midfielder, now captaining Sunderland, has transformed into a key figure leading the team to unexpected success this season.
Regis Le Bris, the Sunderland boss, praised Xhaka’s leadership and influence on the pitch, stating, “He’s like a second coach on the pitch.” This sentiment aligns with Xhaka’s role in driving the standards within the team. His captaincy is crucial as Sunderland navigates their first season back in the Premier League.
From Arsenal to Sunderland: A Mature Midfield Presence
Xhaka’s journey from his time at Arsenal, where he was occasionally used as a scapegoat by supporters during inconsistent periods, to his current role with Sunderland is marked by growth and maturity. His defensive reliability and experience have been instrumental in Sunderland’s early-season success.
Le Bris further highlighted Xhaka’s importance: “He gives us security from midfield through his reading of the game.” Xhaka leads the Premier League in interception rate, a testament to his ability to read the play and disrupt opponents effectively. His experience from playing under world-class metronome Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen also plays a significant role.
Attacking Contributions: Goals and Set Pieces
Beyond his defensive duties, Xhaka’s attacking contributions have been vital for Sunderland. He has scored a goal and provided three assists this term, with moments like the winner against Nottingham Forest being crucial to the team’s success. His leadership extends beyond the pitch as he works closely with his midfield partner Noah Sadiki, encouraging the younger player.
Le Bris noted: “Taking others with him has been part of Xhaka’s game this season.” His influence is not limited to Sunderland but also extends to set-piece duties, with Sunderland having the highest proportion of xG from set pieces this season. This focus on set pieces reflects the current trend in Premier League football towards more direct and tactical approaches.
Preparing for Arsenal: A Test of Maturity
Xhaka’s return to face Arsenal provides a significant test for his new role as Sunderland’s captain. His experience at the highest level, including his time at Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen, is crucial in this transition. Xhaka acknowledges the importance of training standards: “Yesterday, our training wasn’t our best training,” he told Sky Sports. “We started like we finished the training yesterday.” This focus on consistency reflects his leadership qualities.
The match against Arsenal offers a platform for Xhaka to prove himself in his new role and demonstrate why Sunderland are benefiting from his presence. As the teams prepare, both sets of fans await what promises to be an intriguing encounter between a former team captain and his current club.
