From Bundesliga Glory to Premier League Impact: Xhaka's Journey
Sunderland's Premier League return gets a boost from Granit Xhaka's leadership and midfield prowess. Granit Xhaka's impact on Sunderland has been immense. Xhaka's calm and authority on the pitch have made him a key player for Sunderland.
As a midfielder with exceptional vision, passing range, and control, Xhaka's potential was quickly recognized...
Granit Xhaka's Journey to Premier League Leadership
Granit Xhaka's appointment as Sunderland's captain has proven to be a masterstroke, with the Swiss midfielder of Albanian-Kosovan heritage leading the team with authority and calmness. Few people expected Sunderland to make a significant impact on their Premier League return, let alone sign a high-profile player like Xhaka to lead the charge.
Xhaka's journey is a remarkable one, marked by his Swiss-Albanian roots and his rise to prominence in European football. Born in Basel to Albanian parents from Kosovo, Xhaka grew up in a household where football and family pride ran deep. His father had endured political imprisonment in Yugoslavia before the family settled in Switzerland, giving Granit and his older brother Taulant the opportunity to develop their skills in FC Basel's youth system.
Xhaka's leadership skills and technical ability have been evident throughout his career, from his early days at FC Basel to his successful stints at Borussia Mönchengladbach and Arsenal. He has won numerous titles, including two FA Cups with Arsenal and the Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen. Xhaka's experience and maturity have been invaluable to Sunderland, and his appointment as captain has paid off, with the team benefiting from his leadership and guidance.
Granit Xhaka's Journey to Football Stardom
Granit Xhaka was born in Basel, Switzerland, in 1992 to Albanian parents from Kosovo. Growing up in a family that valued football and family pride, Xhaka's talent was evident from an early age. He developed his skills in FC Basel's youth system alongside his older brother Taulant.
As a midfielder with exceptional vision, passing range, and control, Xhaka's potential was quickly recognized. By 18, he had won Swiss league titles with Basel and attracted interest from top European leagues. In 2012, he joined Borussia Monchengladbach, where he matured into a commanding midfielder, paving the way for a successful career.
Granit Xhaka's Turbulent Time at Arsenal
Granit Xhaka joined Arsenal in 2016 for a transfer fee of over £30 million, quickly establishing himself as a key player in midfield. His impressive passing range, tactical acumen, and competitive spirit made him a valuable asset to the team. However, his fiery personality sometimes got the better of him.
The incident that drew attention to Xhaka's temper occurred during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace in October 2019. Frustrated by the team's poor performance and booed by Arsenal fans, Xhaka gestured angrily at the supporters, removed his captain's armband, and threw his jersey to the ground as he walked off the pitch. The incident sparked widespread criticism and a heated public debate about the relationship between players and fans.
Xhaka turned the episode into a catalyst for growth, rebuilding trust with the fans and maturing into a leader over the following seasons. He channeled his intensity into motivating teammates rather than clashing with supporters. Xhaka's play was characterized by a combination of tactical discipline and technical skill, making him a reliable figure on and off the ball. This transformation showcased his ability to learn from setbacks and develop into a more mature player.
Xhaka's Thriving Stint with Bayer Leverkusen
Granit Xhaka's decision to leave Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 was met with surprise, with some thinking he was nearing the end of his career. However, he quickly proved his doubters wrong, playing a pivotal role in Xabi Alonso's team that achieved historic Bundesliga success. Xhaka's impressive performances showcased his calmness on the ball, relentless pressing, and leadership qualities, demonstrating he still has a lot to offer at the top level.
When Sunderland, a newly promoted team, signed Granit Xhaka in the summer of 2025, many were surprised. The Swiss midfielder had played for top-tier clubs like Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen, so why join a Premier League newcomer? However, Xhaka saw an opportunity to shape his legacy in English football and take on a new challenge.
Xhaka's impact on Sunderland's midfield has been significant. His exceptional passing skills set the rhythm for the team, while his leadership inspires younger players. As a seasoned player, he brings stability and experience to the team, which has become a crucial factor in their success. Under his guidance, Sunderland's midfield has transformed into a strong unit, allowing the team to compete more effectively.
The Xhaka Brothers: A Tale of Divided Loyalties and Shared Pride
Granit Xhaka, Switzerland's most-capped player, and his brother Taulant, who represents Albania, made history by facing each other in a symbolic Euro 2016 match. Their story is a testament to the complexities of identity, loyalty, and family ties that transcend national borders. Born to Albanian parents from Kosovo, the brothers chose different paths, with Granit representing Switzerland and Taulant opting for Albania, highlighting the intricate nature of international football.
Granit Xhaka is known for using the double-headed eagle gesture, a symbol of the Albanian flag, during matches for Switzerland. This gesture holds significant meaning for Xhaka, who has Kosovo-Albanian roots, and is a powerful expression of his ethnic pride and identity.
The most notable instance of Xhaka making this gesture was during the 2018 World Cup match against Serbia, where he and teammate Xherdan Shaqiri celebrated their goals by making the double-headed eagle symbol. This moment sparked controversy, and FIFA subsequently fined both players for “unsportsmanlike behavior.”
Granit Xhaka: A Leader's Influence
At 33, Granit Xhaka exudes the poise
of a seasoned veteran, bringing invaluable experience to Sunderland's dressing room. Initially met with skepticism by fans, he's now widely regarded as a leader, with his maturity and expertise inspiring trust. Xhaka's transformation from a fiery young talent to a composed leader mirrors Sunderland's own resurgence, as both have defied expectations and redefined themselves.
As the Premier League season progresses, Xhaka's impact on Sunderland is becoming increasingly clear. He's not just a player, but a driving force shaping the team's identity and ambitions. With his leadership, Sunderland's prospects are looking brighter, and the team's future is being rewritten.
Few expected Sunderland to make such an impact on their Premier League return - and even fewer imagined they would sign Granit Xhaka to lead the charge. Yet here he is: the Swiss midfielder of Albanian-Kosovan heritage has become the heartbeat of the side, orchestrating play with authority and calm, guiding a young team through the storm of the Premier League.
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