Granit Xhaka told brutal Arsenal ‘didn’t like him’ truth amid Sunderland awe – ‘I’ve never seen’
Sunderland’s new captain has been inspirational since joining from Bayer Leverkusen
Sunderland surprised a number of people when they signed Granit Xhaka this summer.
Martin Keown is the latest pundit to laud Granit Xhaka’s influence at Sunderland after the Black Cats fantastic start to the Premier League campaign.
The ex-Arsenal defender has been struck by how Xhaka – a former Gunner himself – has had such an influence over Sunderland and how he has helped steer them to such a healthy position in the Premier League table.
The Swiss international returned to the Premier League with the Black Cats this summer after a successful period at Bayer Leverkusen.
His previous time in England with Arsenal saw him targeted by fans at times, but his role under Regis Le Bris has been central to the run of form that sees Sunderland sitting fourth heading into November.
Keown reckons the fact Xhaka was allowed to leave the Bundesliga side was a “disaster” for the Germans.
A leader himself as a player alongside captain Tony Adams, Keown highlighted the importance of Xhaka’s spell at the Emirates to Le Bris’ side, with the club back in the Premier League after nearly a decade away, while expressing his awe at quite how involved the midfielder is in directing those around him.
“They don’t look out of place,” said host Jim White during a discussion live on talkSPORT after Sunderland’s win at Stamford Bridge last time out.
Keown replied: “Not at all. And this is where I want to make a shout-out to Granit Xhaka here, because when he was at Arsenal there was one or two that liked him but others didn’t.
Granit Xhaka(Image: Alan Walter/REX/Shutterstock)
“Bayer Leverkusen let him go. He was invincible at Leverkusen. [Erik] Ten Hag was involved and let him go, I mean that was a disaster, but massive news for Sunderland.
“When you see him on the pitch… if there was no sound you were hear him, he’s barking instructions at everybody, he’s telling everyone to calm down, ‘keep the ball when we need to, get forward when we need to’.
“I’ve never seen a player so involved, so instrumental. I think if you get in the Premier League, you’ve got to have Premier League experience around you.”
Xhaka has been ever present in the Premier League after being made captain by Le Bris and he has revelled in the role.
The Swiss international is under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2028. He signed for an initial fee of £13million, with an additional £4million in add-ons.
