Wayne Rooney has described Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka as “probably the signing of the season” after the midfielder's influential start back in the Premier League.
Sunderland have made an encouraging return to the top flight, sitting fourth after 11 games with 19 points and looking well positioned to reach their principal aim of Premier League survival this season. Xhaka, who arrived in the summer from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £13m, has been central to that bright start.
The 33-year-old former Arsenal midfielder has started every league match and played every minute so far, contributing one goal and three assists. He tops Sunderland’s charts for assists, chances created, touches, successful passes, duels won, possession won and distance covered — evidence of the all-round impact he has had on the team.
Rooney, speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, said coming back to the Premier League with a promoted club leaves questions over adaptation and influence, but added that Xhaka has answered them emphatically and been a standout signing.
Xhaka’s career before Sunderland includes 297 appearances for Arsenal and two FA Cup winners’ medals. His time at the Gunners was occasiona
