Sunderland fans will love who persuaded Granit Xhaka to join the Black Cats in the summer
Granit Xhaka was persuaded to join Sunderland in the summer transfer window by one former player at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland’s 1-1 draw against Everton has the Black Cats in the Premier League’s top four, thanks to Xhaka’s second half equaliser.
Xhaka became Sunderland captain on his arrival at the club, an inspired move by manager Regis Le Bris in their first top flight campaign in eight years.
The Black Cats are only seven points behind league leaders Arsenal, whom they host at the Stadium of Light next where Xhaka will come up against his former club.
Jermain Defoe held talks with Granit Xhaka
Former Sunderland striker, Jermain Defoe, speaking to Sky Sports [5 November] admitted that he spoke to Xhaka before his arrival at the club and told him to had to join.
“I think the recruitments been top and it is so important isn’t it,” Defoe said.
“I’ve always said you know the club had back-to-back relegations and found itself in League One it is a sleeping giant.
“With the fan base and the whole football club really, I’ve said when it is going well there what a place to play football you know for these young players a lot of energy, the belief.
| Minutes Played | 900 |
| Duels Won % | 63.3% |
| Aerial Duels Won % | 69.2% |
| Tackles | 20 |
| Recoveries | 49 |
“The key signing I think has been Granit Xhaka, he’s been amazing and I spoke to him over the summer about joining.
“He [Granit] messaged me saying I’ve got a chance of joining what do you think, you have to I said because of your experience and what you can bring to this young group of players.
“But what a start to the season it has been fantastic.”
Jamie Carragher applauds Xhaka performance
Jamie Carragher praised Xhaka after the midfielder’s performance against Everton, saying he was “head and shoulders” above everyone else on the pitch.
The former Liverpool defender added that the point gained is still a positive for Sunderland, whose prime ambition will still be survival despite their fantastic start.
“When you think of the results this weekend, Burnley who have come up, lost. Leeds, lost. It’s another little point. You just keep ticking along. Because there will come a stage this season where Sunderland go a few games without picking points up,” Carragher said.
“Keep ticking along and get as close to 35 or 36 points, which is almost guaranteed survival in the Premier League.”