Granit Xhaka once again proves star quality for Sunderland
Captain was key to last season’s seventh place and continues to shine for the Black Cats.
Granit Xhaka was Sunderland’s beating heart once again in their 1-0 win over Fulham after the Swiss midfielder spurned Chelsea’s advances this summer.
Xhaka was key to Sunderland’s seventh-place finish last season and a return to Europe for the first time in 53 years, but it appeared he would only be on Wearside for one year amid interest from Chelsea.
However, Xhaka rejected a short-term offer in favour of continuing the “long-term project” he is part of as captain of Sunderland, who will travel to AC Milan among this campaign’s Europa League ties.
While summer signings have been few and far between, keeping hold of Xhaka may be just as important to Sunderland’s hopes this season, with everything running through the 33-year-old against the Cottagers.
Several long-range diagonal passes opened up Fulham, one of which should have led to the opener as Enzo Le Fee collected Xhaka’s ball and centred for Wilson Isidor, who thumped the post with the goal gaping.
Isidor made amends minutes later but Xhaka continued to run point, with a quick free-kick over the top freeing Romaine Mundle, who shot at Bernd Leno. There was no goal or assist but Xhaka certainly proved his value once more.