Sunderland will be wowed by Granit Xhaka’s international exploits as amazing full stats emerge
Granit Xhaka has arguably been Sunderland’s signing of the season and his performances for Switzerland will make Regis Le Bris even happier.
At the start of the 2025-26 season, Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier exclusively told Football Insider on 19 August that Sunderland signing Xhaka was a “strange one”.
However, the Switzerland international has been exceptional for the Black Cats, featuring in every Premier League game so far and notching three assists.
Xhaka’s incredible pass map against Nottingham Forest in Sunderland’s 1-0 win on 27 September highlighted precisely what he could bring to the club, as he continued his fine form on international duty.
Xhaka on top form for Switzerland during international break
The former Arsenal midfielder ran the show in both of his country’s World Cup qualifiers during the international break.
Firstly, he was on target in Switzerland’s 2-0 win over Alexander Isak‘s Sweden, cooly converting from the penalty spot.
Then, he was resolute in a dominant game against Benjamin Sesko‘s Slovenia, ultimately ending 0-0, yet the Rossocrociati were by far the superior side.
Across both matches, Xhaka’s creativity at Sunderland translated to his expert displays with his national side.
| Selected stats for Switzerland | Granit Xhaka vs Sweden (10 October) | Granit Xhaka vs Slovenia (13 October) |
| Minutes played | 90 | 90 |
| Goals | 1 | 0 |
| Key passes | 3 | 1 |
| Accurate passes | 90/106 (85%) | 104/113 (92%) |
| Touches | 120 | 125 |
The 33-year-old racked up four key passes and was instrumental in dictating Switzerland’s play.
Moreover, he exuded control and precision with his passing, finding his target with 194 passes out of 219 across both fixtures, maintaining a 88.6 per cent accuracy rate.
The ex-Bayer Leverkusen anchor’s classy performances will greatly please his manager back in the north-east of England.
Xhaka crucial to Sunderland avoiding relegation this season
Once doubted to be past his best as an athlete, the number 34 has stepped up for the Black Cats on countless occasions across the opening seven Premier League games.
Le Bris would’ve kept a close eye on his performances during the international hiatus and will be delighted that his key midfielder will return unscathed and in dazzling form.
Sunderland have lost just two games upon their return to the English top-flight as they bid to cement their place back in the first division since the 2016-17 campaign.
The experience of Xhaka will be vital for the Tyneside club to stay clear of the drop as he supports and inspires the immense array of youth in the squad.
Sunderland spent £140m overhauling their squad yet the ex-Gunner has by far been one of, if not, the best signing of the season.