Granit Xhaka’s Unlikely Journey: From Bundesliga to Sunderland

When Granit Xhaka transitioned from Bayer Leverkusen to Sunderland last summer, many fans of German football expressed their astonishment.

The 33-year-old Swiss international, seemingly at the tail end of his prime, made the unexpected choice to leave one of Germany’s top teams for a newly promoted squad in the English Championship.

The Rationale Behind the Move

To many observers, this decision appeared to be a regression. Questions arose, such as, “Why would he put himself in a relegation battle in England?” These inquiries gained traction after a video surfaced online showing Xhaka awkwardly attempting to introduce himself to Sunderland supporters.

In that clip, his generic responses led to widespread mockery, with viewers suggesting that he was unfamiliar with his new club and its location.

However, Xhaka has decisively silenced his critics. He has quickly established himself as a fundamental member of the “Black Cats.”

Dominating the Stats

Xhaka excels in various performance metrics: he boasts the highest number of ball touches at Sunderland, leads in successful tackles, and is the team’s top provider, with three assists to date, earning him the title of the club’s premier playmaker.

In addition, he has yet to miss a single minute on the pitch this Premier League season. Publications like the BBC have referred to him as the club’s “good luck charm,” while Sky Sports labeled his acquisition as the “best transfer of the season.”

Sunderland’s Rise in the League

The team itself is also making headlines: Sunderland is currently making unexpected strides in the league, competing against some heavyweights. In just nine matches, the newly minted squad has racked up an impressive 17 points, outpacing Leicester City at the same juncture in their renowned 2015/16 championship run. A win in their rescheduled match against Everton could move them to an incredible second place on the table.

Coach Régis Le Bris frequently underscores Xhaka’s importance to the squad, asserting, “He is the captain and sets the bar high every day. On the field, he provides guidance akin to that of a second coach.”

Yet for Xhaka, the focus extends beyond statistics and standings. In recent interviews, he has affirmed that he actively sought this challenge, relishing the moments of “solidarity and suffering,” which have allowed him to experience “a different side of football.”

A Marathon Runner

To truly embrace this new experience, Xhaka puts in the effort. He was the first player this Premier League season to surpass the milestone of 100 kilometers run. Both physically and mentally, this so-called veteran continues to perform at an elite level. His presence, combined with his leadership and experience, positions him as the cornerstone of Sunderland’s campaign.

What began as one of last summer’s most criticized transfers has swiftly evolved into a genuine success story. Granit Xhaka has once again proven his doubters wrong.