The former Arsenal midfielder has been a huge influence on the Black Cats dressing room
Granit Xhaka of Sunderland
Sunderland's Granit Xhaka(Image: Getty Images)
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Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor has revealed to the French press that club captain Granit Xhaka’s relentless mentality is driving the Black Cats' standards across the board.
The forward, who scored in his first three home games of the new season, has hailed Xhaka’s impact since the Swiss midfielder’s arrival at Sunderland with standards being driven up by his sheer competitiveness.
Speaking about Sunderland’s strong start to Premier League life, Isidor praised the mentality brought by the former Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen captain, who joined Régis Le Bris’ side this summer.
Xhaka is used to success having won a host of honours in Germany prior to his shock move to Wearside. That is rubbing off on the rest of the squad.
“We really believe in our qualities,” Isidor said to the media in France. “We’re still a promoted team, but you have to look at the quality of our new signings. Granit Xhaka, for example, has been nothing but winning for two years with Leverkusen.”
Isidor explained how Xhaka’s influence has been felt most on the training ground, particularly among Sunderland’s younger players.
Chris Rigg
Sunderland's Chris Rigg(Image: Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
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“He brings a winning mentality, even in small games in training,” Isidor added. “If the quality of the session isn’t good, he’ll yell. I have an example: there’s little Chris Rigg in the squad, and he’s brought him back into shape.
"He was a little lazy in training, so he went to talk to him to ask him to change his attitude. That changed him.”
Xhaka’s leadership has been widely praised since his arrival on Wearside, with Le Bris keen to integrate experienced professionals alongside the club’s young core.
The Swiss international has made over 120 Premier League appearances across his career, winning the Bundesliga title with Leverkusen and captaining his country at multiple major tournaments.
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The 33-year-old has quickly become a vocal presence in the dressing room as well as a firm favourite with supporters.
His partnership with Noah Sadiki and Enzo Le Fée in midfield has helped Sunderland establish a strong foundation in their opening weeks back in the top flight.
“He’s always demanding,” Isidor added. “Even when things go well, he keeps pushing us to do better. That’s what winners do.”