"Sunderland returned to the Premier League this season after eight years away from the top flight, knowing that to survive, they would need more than momentum and feel-good vibes. New signings were a must for a side that had finished 16th in the second tier 12 months earlier, but in this new cohort, they needed experience, leadership and authority. And in Granit Xhaka, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen in a 17million deal"
"The club offered me the armband before the start of the season Xhaka explains to FourFourTwo. I said yes, just as long as it didn't create any problems in the dressing room, It looks nice, but you don't need it. A real leader has the power without the armband. However, I'm very proud the club made that decision, and I want to use my experience to be an example for my team-mates and myself."
Sunderland returned to the Premier League after eight years and required signings that brought experience, leadership and authority. Granit Xhaka arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in a 17million deal after two years in the Bundesliga following an Arsenal departure. Manager Regis Le Bris quickly handed Xhaka the captain's armband after ensuring the change would not harm the dressing-room dynamic when the armband came from local hero Dan Neil. Xhaka accepted the armband on the condition it would not create problems and emphasized that leadership extends beyond the armband. Existing experienced players and youngsters aided his integration.
Read at www.fourfourtwo.com
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