Iconic former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce has noticed something different about ex-Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka.
For the first time, Xhaka will face Arsenal in a Premier League setting on Saturday as Sunderland host the Gunners.
The two sides have enjoyed tremendous starts to the season, so much so that the Black Cats only sit three places below Mikel Arteta’s side.
As a player with love for both clubs, Xhaka is excited for Arsenal’s visit to the Stadium of Light, but the North Londoners have been warned not to expect to face the player they once knew.
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Sam Allardyce says Granit Xhaka is even better now than he was at Arsenal
Xhaka has been one of the Premier League’s best midfielders this season, proving that Sunderland were right to purchase the 33-year-old in the summer transfer window.
Very few would’ve thought that the Switzerland international would’ve made his way back to England so soon after leaving Arsenal.
Xhaka experienced some of the lowest lows at Arsenal and, of course, some highs, which have shaped him into the player he now is, which Sam Allardyce has warned the Gunners about.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Allardyce shared his verdict on Xhaka, stating that the midfielder is on an entirely different level to what he was at Arsenal.
“He’s always looked top drawer, but probably looks more outstanding at Sunderland than he did at Arsenal.”
Allardyce then listed some reasons as to why that might be, with the overriding narrative being the veteran’s experience and leadership qualities.
“Perhaps because there was, without disrespecting the Sunderland players, but better players around him at Arsenal, of course, but he is from his experience and what he knows and the position he’s being played in by the manager, and he is just a leader.”
Though Xhaka was stripped of captaincy at Arsenal, the North Londoners knew his leadership skills, something he’s now providing to Sunderland.
“He looks like that leader, you know what I mean?” Allardyce continued.
“That one where he can he can control other players on the pitch. The one the manager loves that instead of screaming and shouting from the touch line, they know he can leave it to him and he’ll sort it out.”
Arsenal will be so wary of Xhaka during Saturday evening’s blockbuster, as limiting the former Gunner will be key to Arteta’s side taking three points back to N5.
Arsenal still mean a lot to Xhaka
At 5.30 pm on Saturday, all the niceties between Xhaka and his former club will be muted.
Now an opponent of Arteta’s squad, Xhaka realises how good Arsenal are and will be desperate to stop his former teammates enough to earn Sunderland a result.
Deep down, however, there will be a feeling of love from the midfielder, who hasn’t once shied away from expressing how he feels about the Gunners.
In an interview with The Athletic ahead of the contest, Xhaka described his feelings towards Arsenal as ‘special’.
“I mean, everyone knows Arsenal is in my heart, to be in the football club for seven years is special,” he said.
It’ll be a special fixture for many reasons, but when it comes down to it, the only thing that matters are the three points on the line.
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