EPL: Rooney hails Xhaka as Sunderland’s signing of the season

Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has described Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka as “probably the signing of the season” after the Black Cats’ impressive start to their Premier League campaign.

According to BBC Sport on Monday, Sunderland, back in the top flight this season, currently sit fourth after 11 games, with 19 points well on their way to achieving their primary objective of avoiding relegation.

Xhaka, a former Arsenal midfielder, has been central to their strong start, bringing experience and leadership to the squad.

The 33-year-old was one of several summer signings following promotion from the Championship, joining from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £13m.

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. 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,” he added.