Granit Xhaka
Former Sunderland and Leeds United star Michael Gray has expressed admiration for Granit Xhaka’s impact at Sunderland as the midfielder nears a return to fitness. Xhaka, who joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen, has been a stabilizing force both on and off the pitch, despite currently being sidelined with an ankle injury. His presence has been instrumental in Sunderland’s push for a top-seven finish in the Premier League and their progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup. Gray believes Xhaka’s success at Sunderland could attract more high-profile players to the club.
Michael Gray said: “It’s amazing, isn’t it. I think if they do want to start attracting the better players to the club, and you’re speaking to those players, and you have a look and you go, right well who have Sunderland got? Well, they’ve got Granit Xhaka, well, if he can go to Sunderland, there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be wanting to go to Sunderland. Other AFCON players will have a look at that and go if it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for me. And then when they do get to the club, they’ll realise how big a club it is, the fan base, how well they’ve done.”
Gray continued: “Trying to attract players, it’s very difficult to try and throw a few at you. They’ve scored six goals away from home this season in the Premier League, so we obviously need a striker who can get into double figures. Somebody who’s got a little bit more guile in midfield to play alongside a Granit Xhaka. Somebody who’s going to keep more clean sheets for us. I think somebody like a Mateta, whether he fits the mould at Sunderland because I know most of the players are 25 and under – I know Xhaka is the exception to that.”
He added: “But somebody like Mateta I think could take Sunderland to even another level. He’s got goals, I think he’s a great team player, I see him when games are finished and he looks like he’s got a great personality. He’d be fantastic in the dressing room. But that’s what you want, you want people who are good in the dressing room and keep away from the egos.”
Xhaka’s decision to leave Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen for Sunderland marked a significant move, highlighting his desire for a second chance in the Premier League. His influence extends beyond his on-field contributions, as he continues to be a motivational presence for his teammates. Sunderland’s secured Premier League status allows them to focus on further strengthening their squad, and Xhaka’s successful integration could serve as a beacon for attracting other talented players. Gray’s comments underscore the potential for Sunderland to leverage Xhaka’s presence to bolster their ranks with more high-caliber signings, enhancing their competitiveness in the league.
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