Get ready for a football story that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew! Granit Xhaka, the former Arsenal midfielder, has become an unexpected hero for Sunderland, with his coach Regis Le Bris calling him a 'second coach' on the pitch.
Xhaka's journey is a fascinating one. Inspired by Mikel Arteta, he started his coaching journey while still an Arsenal player. Little did he know that these skills would become his superpower at Sunderland, a team that many predicted would struggle.
But here's where it gets controversial... Xhaka, once a scapegoat at Arsenal, has transformed into a defensive rock for Sunderland. He's not just a player; he's a leader, a mentor, and a key reason behind their impressive start to the season.
And this is the part most people miss: Xhaka's impact goes beyond his defensive prowess. He's a creative force too, with goals and assists that have directly contributed to Sunderland's success.
In a twist of fate, Xhaka now faces his former club, Arsenal, as a player who has truly found his stride. He's the exact player Arsenal envisioned, but with added maturity and leadership.
To survive in the Premier League, teams need defensive solidity, and Xhaka provides that security with his exceptional game reading skills. He's not just a defensive cog; he's a key part of Sunderland's attacking prowess as well.
Xhaka's experience at the highest level, gained from his time at Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen, is a huge asset. He's the outright leader in distance covered in the Premier League this season, and his influence rubs off on his younger teammates, like Noah Sadiki.
Xhaka's personality and leadership are evident on and off the pitch. He sets high standards and ensures his team meets them. After a dip in performance, Xhaka addressed the team, reminding them of the required levels and the importance of consistent training.
The Premier League has evolved into a more direct, set-piece driven division, and Xhaka has adapted beautifully. He's not only a master of long passes but also Sunderland's chief set-piece taker.
Sunderland's success with set pieces is a testament to Xhaka's influence, and it even surpasses Arsenal's reliance on them. Imagine if Xhaka were still at Arsenal; would he still be a valuable asset? And yet, Arsenal spent a fortune on Declan Rice to fill his spot.
For Sunderland, Xhaka is priceless. He's a bargain buy, a leader, and a saviour. Don't miss the action as Sunderland takes on Arsenal this Saturday Night Football on Sky Sports!
So, what do you think? Is Xhaka's transformation a testament to his skills, or is it a reflection of Arsenal's mismanagement? Let us know in the comments!
