Sunderland midfielder Enzo Le Fée has revealed that club captain Granit Xhaka has been the standout addition of their ambitious summer window. Speaking to Stadium Astro, the Frenchman said the Swiss veteran has transformed standards both on and off the pitch as the Black Cats continue to impress on their Premier League comeback season.
Regis Le Bris’ side secured promotion through the play-offs in May and overhauled the squad with 15 new faces, including Le Fée from AS Roma and Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen. Far from merely surviving, Sunderland have made a confident start to life back in the top flight — and Le Fée believes his skipper deserves special credit for that shift in mentality.
The 33-year-old’s arrival initially raised eyebrows, yet he’s become the heartbeat of a young side learning to navigate elite-level football. Could Xhaka’s experience be the glue that cements Sunderland as a genuine mid-table force?
Xhaka praised as Sunderland’s cultural leader
“I think Granit, Granit Xhaka. Because he’s for me the best captain I had in my life in my career… he tries to take care of everybody. He changed a lot of things here in Sunderland.” — Enzo Le Fée, speaking to Stadium Astro
Le Fée’s admiration reflects how quickly Xhaka has embedded himself within the dressing room. After guiding Arsenal and Leverkusen in Europe, his leadership has brought authority and calm to a youthful Sunderland core featuring Jobe Bellingham, Dan Neil and Jack Clarke.
The midfielder’s influence extends beyond the pitch. Staff at the Academy of Light credit him with reshaping pre-match routines and instilling higher fitness standards. It’s no coincidence Sunderland have looked organised and mature in recent wins, including a 2-0 victory over Wolves on 18 October.
Granit Xhaka 2025/26 Premier League stats so far
| Stat (2025/26) | Granit Xhaka |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 8 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Pass Accuracy | 88% |
source: Transfermarkt match data – 21 October 2025
Those numbers underline Xhaka’s balanced role — dictating play while contributing directly to goals. His 88 per cent pass success highlights how comfortably he controls tempo from deep, giving Sunderland a composure rarely seen in newly promoted sides.
Our View
In our view, Xhaka’s biggest impact lies in raising expectations. Sunderland’s young group no longer play like underdogs; they play with purpose and confidence. His calm authority has stabilised moments that might previously have unravelled under pressure — notably during their second-half push against Wolves.
Equally significant is how he’s helped Le Fée settle. The Frenchman’s interplay with Xhaka offers both technical security and creative spark, forming a midfield partnership that mirrors the club’s long-term vision: youth guided by experience.
Our FootballPlace analyst Liam Rowe writes:
I think Sunderland’s recruitment team nailed the balance between promise and pedigree. Xhaka has become the tactical anchor Le Bris needed — shielding the back line while recycling possession intelligently.
We believe his leadership is worth more than any single metric; it’s the invisible thread connecting a squad still adapting to Premier League rhythm. If he maintains fitness, Sunderland could realistically eye a comfortable top-half finish.
Key Insights
- Enzo Le Fée names Granit Xhaka as Sunderland’s most influential summer signing.
- Xhaka’s leadership credited with raising standards across the club.
- The Swiss midfielder has 2 goals and 3 assists in 8 league games.
- Sunderland beat Wolves 2-0 after the October break, extending strong early form.
- Jermain Defoe advised Xhaka before the move, telling him he’d “love it” on Wearside.
What’s Next
Sunderland face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 25 October before playing at home against Everton. Another strong showing would reinforce the notion that their top-flight stay won’t be short-lived.
With Xhaka steering midfield and Le Fée finding his rhythm, fans may soon wonder how far this blend of experience and flair can really go.
👉 Do you think Granit Xhaka has been the Premier League’s best summer signing so far?
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