Granit Xhaka Is The Embodiment of Humility

He’s played almost forty games for Sunderland but the feeling of seeing Granit Xhaka in a red and white shirt is yet to wear off. We set a high bar by signing him back in the summer, and it even back then, it told the league that we meant business. Xhaka came to Wearside after being sold a project that didn’t involve relegation — and our signings as a whole reflected this.

We’ve not been below thirteenth all season, so it’s fair to say the first year of the project has been a success Xhaka’s achievements and experience have been a crucial part of a successful season, and the way other players and even Régis Le Bris talk about him shows that he gives off the kind of aura that means when he speaks, everyone listens. I’m of an age where I don’t remember the Peter Reid teams, so I’m confident in saying that Xhaka is probably the best midfielder I’ve ever seen in a Sunderland shirt. His closest competition is Enzo Le Fée, which highlights the overall quality of this team.

Xhaka has spoken plenty of good words this season, and his experience and mindset have been key. Following the 0-0 draw against Manchester Utd, he had a reminder for everyone at the club to stay humble as we enter into the final throes of the season, setting the standards once again as we battle for the remaining six points. We need to keep working and believing in the process.

We have got to stay humble. We have got 48 points, and we have only just been promoted. We are playing an amazing season, of course.