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Robin Roefs jokingly called Granit Xhaka the “old man” of Sunderland’s young squad – before praising his huge influence
Robin Roefs has delivered a glowing assessment of Granit Xhaka’s influence at Sunderland, describing the Black Cats’ captain as the driving force behind the club’s standards, mentality and togetherness under Régis Le Bris.
Xhaka made headlines when he returned to England on 30 July 2025, signing for newly promoted Sunderland for an initial £13million – with a further £4million in add-ons – before being named captain for the 2025–26 season. He has since become central to Le Bris’ young and ambitious squad, scoring his first goal for the club in the 1–1 draw with Everton on 3 November.
Roefs, who joined Sunderland in the same summer, said the Swiss international’s presence has been transformative. “Every week, people are praising him a lot,” said Roefs. “He is the old man of the group, and without a doubt, he is so important for us. He is the one who connects everyone. He is a leader on and off the pitch. He is even scoring goals for us these days…”
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Roefs said Xhaka’s leadership is felt most strongly in the dressing room. “Every time before the game he is the one who speaks. He is the one who motivates us in the dressing room. In training, if there are arguments, he is the one who intervenes and makes sure everyone is together and problems are solved.”
According to the goalkeeper, Xhaka’s standards set the tone for the entire squad. “At every session, he is the one who demands the highest level. If we are a little bit sloppy in training, or we don’t do too well, he makes sure it does not happen again. He drives the standards. He has been so good for the team, but also as a person. He has brought everyone together.”
Roefs also highlighted the bond that has formed between Sunderland’s young squad and their new captain. “We bonded quickly, because we are a young group, and we are all hungry for success. Everyone wants to perform, and this has connected us. We demand the highest level from each other, and the most important thing, we are all friends with each other. That is very important at a club like this.”
Xhaka’s arrival was one of the defining moves of Sunderland’s summer rebuild and has quickly proven to be more than just a statement signing. For a young dressing room navigating its first season back in the Premier League, Roefs’ words underline the captain’s growing influence – and why Le Bris entrusted him with the armband from day one. For Roefs part, the Dutch goalkeeper has quickly cemented himself as Sunderland’s number one goalkeeper after his arrival at the Academy of Light last summer.
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