Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney believes Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is “probably the signing of the season” following his impressive impact in the Premier League.
Rooney has praised Xhaka’s influence, leadership and consistency since arriving in the summer.
Xhaka, 33, joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen for around £13 million after their promotion from the Championship. The Swiss midfielder has played every minute of the league campaign so far, scoring once and providing three assists.
He currently leads the squad in chances created, assists, passes completed, duels won, possession regained and distance covered.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney said Xhaka had been “brilliant” and highlighted his experience as vital for Sunderland’s young squad.
Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show: “Coming back to the Premier League you wonder if he can do it. Obviously with a promoted team as well coming up, what impact could he have?
“But he’s probably been the signing of the season. He has been brilliant.”
“When he had the situation with Arsenal, when he fell out with the fans it showed his character to go and play for Arsenal again,” Rooney added.
“To get through that and then go and perform for Arsenal, and then at Leverkusen to be part of a team to beat Bayern Munich to the title for the first time in over 10 years has shown what a good player he is.
“Sunderland have got a very young squad as well. He’d almost be like a father figure and he’ll be a big help for the coach as well to be the in-between man as captain.
“And they made a lot of signings in the summer, he’ll be a massive help for the manager and with them players, for sure, using his experience.”
Sunderland sit fourth in the Premier League after 11 matches.
