admin‘Can’t get enough of him’ – Ally McCoist and Sam Allardyce awestruck by ‘outstanding’ Sunderland man
Granit Xhaka has quickly become one of Sunderland’s standout performers this season — and his impressive form hasn’t gone unnoticed.
TalkSPORT pundit Ally McCoist and former Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce have both showered the midfielder with praise, with McCoist even calling him a potential “signing of the season.”
The Swiss international has made a huge impact since joining Regis Le Bris’ side from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.
Commanding in midfield and inspirational as captain, Xhaka also netted his first goal for the club in Monday night’s 1–1 draw with Everton — further underlining his importance to Sunderland’s setup.
🗣️ What Ally McCoist said about Granit Xhaka
Speaking on talkSPORT alongside Ray Parlour, McCoist said:
“Granit Xhaka, he might be the signing of the season.”
Parlour immediately agreed, replying:
“Absolutely. He’s very experienced. He was brilliant for Arsenal last season. Of course, he went through tough times when the fans turned on him, but he showed great character.”
McCoist added:
“You’re spot on, Ray. When he fell out with the Arsenal fans, I honestly didn’t think there was any way back for him. But fair play to him — and to the fans — for turning that around.”
Parlour went on to praise Xhaka’s influence at Sunderland:
“He’s a real leader. The young players look up to him. You can see after games how he encourages everyone — a real captain’s presence. And I think he’s genuinely enjoying being back in the Premier League.
He loved Germany, sure, but the Premier League brings out that competitive side in him. Sunderland fans love him — and rightly so. He’s brilliant.”
McCoist concluded:
“They can’t get enough of him up there.”
🎙️ What Sam Allardyce said about Granit Xhaka
Former Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce echoed those sentiments, telling McCoist:
“He looks top drawer, Ally. He always has, but maybe he looks even better at Sunderland than he did at Arsenal. Obviously, he had world-class teammates there, but at Sunderland, you can really see his leadership and composure shine.”
Allardyce continued:
“He’s outstanding — a real leader on the pitch. The kind of player every manager loves, because you know he can organise others and keep things calm without you shouting from the touchline. His passing, his control, his experience — it’s all top class.”
In just a few short months, Granit Xhaka has transformed Sunderland’s midfield with his experience, leadership, and quality — earning admiration from pundits, ex-managers, and fans alike.
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