Granit

[richest]

Better than Lee Barry Cattermole?

But not as good as Barry Bannan.

 

[Soton Pete]

What timeframe does this cover? Ever heard of len Shackleton for example?

Or Jim Baxter

 

[martinsmithsonofpele]

Or Jim Baxter

My grandad's least liked player ever. Said he came in with a huge reputation and just didn't perform for us.

 

[Baxter the maestro]

Best midfielder to ever pull the shirt on for us.

It is difficult to compare players from different eras, so 'ever' is somewhat problematic. My two all-time favourite Sunderland players, both midfielders, are Stan Anderson and Jim Baxter and both were extremely talented and influential, notwithstanding the fact that, by his own admission, Baxter was not as good for us as he had been for Rangers.

However, it is undoubtedly true that Xhaka is clearly several steps up from what we have had recently, including the likes of M'vila, Kirchhoff, Ki and, dare I say it, Henderson. He seems to always be in a position to receive a pass from a team-mate, has the ball under control instantly, sees the next pass immediately and, on the majority of occasions, executes that pass perfectly. Add in his calm leadership and determination and he is playing his way up to the Anderson/Baxter level in my estimation.

 

[Mboma]

Thought all 3 of the CM were superb today. The calmness of Xhaka dictating, and then the energy of Sadiki and Diarra linking up had Spurs on toast.

 

[SAFCftm1986]

we missed him massively when he was injured. Shows what a crucial player he is, not just for his football ability but for his character and footballing brain

 

[contrarian]

Best midfielder to ever pull the shirt on for us.

Told you a million times not to exaggerate

 

[Methusalah]

But not as good as Barry Bannan.

Who is, to be fair.

 

[Antidotes]

Could tell he was desperate to win that yest

 

[Ricci's Special Kebabs]

Could tell he was desperate to win that yest

I would have loved to see his shot in the first half hit the bottom corner. I reckon he would have went mental.

 

[BoshItLikeBardo]

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[parsonjohn1985]

I also think this is one of our biggest challenges coming down the tracks. He has been so effective precisely because of his experience and leadership. Nobody with those attributes is coming to play second fiddle. A near-unique signing. Enjoying every single moment of him.

So we need a similar style player who can learn from xhakas experience

 

[Brian Griffin]

I also think this is one of our biggest challenges coming down the tracks. He has been so effective precisely because of his experience and leadership. Nobody with those attributes is coming to play second fiddle. A near-unique signing. Enjoying every single moment of him.

Problem is that Xhaka now is not what Xhaka was when he was 18/19

Not only do you have the issue of a quality player not wanting to sit in the bench, you also need a lion tamer until the new player matures.

 

[The soap powder]

He was amazing on Sunday and the Spurs midfielders could not get near him

He is a great influence on all around him and I have never seen better in a lads shirt

 

[TikaTakaTico]

Is he the first footballer to be named after his jawline?

 

[chuckyroll]

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Those 3 should be fkn ashamed

 

[nelford_safc]

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Somehow, he’s ours.

 

[xmfd]

He is as good as it gets in that position mind. What a f***ing signing for a newly promoted team even tops Enzo Le Fee in the championship.

 

[red mackem]

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Said after the game would have backed Xhaka to win the midfield battle by himself against spurs midfield. Didn’t think I’d be seeing stats to prove it.

 

[PaulG]

Sadiki and Diarra exceptional too.

Yes, 21 and 22. Another season or two under Xhaka's tutelage and our midfield should be just fine.