Sunderland Stadium
Sunderland have made an impressive start to their Premier League campaign, and former midfielder Jason McAteer has expressed confidence in their ability to avoid relegation this season. McAteer particularly praised new captain Granit Xhaka, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window, suggesting that his experience and leadership could be crucial for the team’s success.
Jason McAteer said: “I think they [Sunderland] are going to go against the grain this season. I think Sunderland could upset the apple cart here. They could definitely stay up. If the likes of [Wilson] Isidor can stay fit, if they can keep the spine of the team fit, the more productive players fit… Granit Xhaka I think is going to be vitally important in the dressing room. It’s a big season for him. With the fanbase they’ve got, home is going to be massive, putting points on the board at home. The home record is going to be vitally important. I do see them as favourites to stay up.”
When asked about Xhaka in particular, McAteer added: “When I said most managers decide to bring in experience, they go whole hog on that’s what they need to do. It only needed a little bit of experience. A bit like Brentford and Jordan Henderson; he’s worth his weight in gold off the pitch as much as he’s on it. It’s the kind of same scenario with Granit Xhaka. There’s nothing he doesn’t know and there’s nothing he hasn’t done. That’s where he’s going to be worth his weight in gold. Obviously now he’s doing it in both. He’s on the pitch and he’s in the dressing room. But we’ll see. Listen, great signing.”
Sunderland’s start to the season has seen them accumulate 14 points from their first eight matches, placing them seventh in the table and nine points clear of the relegation zone. This strong performance has been attributed to key players such as Wilson Isidor, Enzo Le Fée, Dan Ballard, and goalkeeper Robin Roefs, who have all been singled out for praise by McAteer.
McAteer was also asked which other Sunderland players have impressed him this season, to which he responded: “Yeah, Isidor. The winger on the left, [Enzo] Le Fée, he’s done well as well. And Dan Ballard, the centre-half. The keeper [Robin Roefs] has done alright, to be honest. He’s been quite busy, the keeper, but he’s been solid enough. There was a game one went through him and I thought, ‘Ooh’. But in the main, he’s been worth a few points, Roefs. So yeah, them probably three or four players have been decent.”
The Black Cats’ resurgence under the guidance of manager Regis Le Bris and the leadership of Granit Xhaka has brought optimism to their supporters. As they continue to build on their early success, maintaining form and fitness will be crucial in their quest to remain in the top flight.
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