Liverpool
Liverpool Transfer News
Liverpool face a confident Sunderland side on Wednesday, and Granit Xhaka is the clear danger man. His leadership, control, and Premier League experience make him Sunderland’s biggest weapon at Anfield.
Liverpool return to Anfield on Wednesday night with a bit more confidence after the win over West Ham. But there is a twist coming, Sunderland arrive as one of the league’s surprise stories, and they bring with them a player who has reshaped their season.
The question is simple: will Liverpool allow Granit Xhaka to dictate the night?
The Swiss midfielder has been the heartbeat of Regis Le Bris’ side. And while Liverpool are favorites, this game carries a quiet warning. Sunderland are organized, fearless, and apparently thriving in big arenas.
If the Reds are not careful, Xhaka could pull the strings again, and no fan wants to see “Swiss precision” strike against them.
BET NOW:Join 1Win to big win. Use Promo Code: AH1892 and get up to 500% bonuses on your first four deposits.****
What makes Xhaka such a big threat?
Xhaka’s impact this season has been huge. He leads Sunderland in almost every midfield metric and ranks high across the entire Premier League.
His passing range keeps opponents guessing, and his composure gives Sunderland the calm they need in tight spaces.
Jamie Carragher even said: “He must be the signing of the season.” And Sunderland fans agree — many call him their best footballer in decades.
His stats tell the story. He has three assists, high chance creation numbers, and is among the top players in long passes completed. For a newly promoted side, that is remarkable.
How does he affect Liverpool’s game plan?
When Sunderland beat Chelsea and pushed Arsenal close, their control came from the middle of the pitch. If Xhaka and Noah Sadiki win the midfield battle, the visitors could slow the game and wait for their chances.
Liverpool must avoid giving Xhaka time to settle. If he gets comfortable, he starts “stirring the drink,” as Sunderland fans say — and that’s when Le Bris’ team becomes dangerous.
Can Liverpool handle Sunderland’s midfield fight?
Sunderland’s physicality and structure caused problems for top clubs. They do not fear big teams, and they do not play like a newly promoted side. Their belief has grown with every comeback, every difficult match, and every moment Xhaka has kept them calm.
Liverpool have struggled in games where opponents disrupted rhythm early. If Sunderland follow the same plan, this match could get tense quickly.
What are Sunderland saying about him?
Their manager put it clearly: “He’s really important because we have many young players… he sets the standards.”
Former players say he is the “leader for everything,” and fans talk about him as a talisman. That tells you everything about the scale of his influence.
So, where is the key battle at Anfield?
The midfield. If Liverpool win that area, Sunderland lose their main weapon. If Xhaka gains control, Liverpool may struggle to break through the visitors’ structure.
His long shots, long passes, and leadership moments could be the difference. This is not the fiery Xhaka from his early Arsenal days — this is a calmer, smarter version, and that makes him even more dangerous.
What Anfield Home thinks?
Liverpool must treat Xhaka as the central threat. Press him early, limit his passing lanes, and force Sunderland to play without their conductor.
If the Reds control the middle, they control the match. But if Xhaka finds his rhythm, Wednesday night could be trickier than expected.