Sunderland Captain Granit Xhaka has been hailed as the signing of the season, a title cemented by his recent crucial contribution. The Black Cats' acquisition of the 33-year-old from Bayer Leverkusen for £13m in the summer has exceeded all expectations.

The Switzerland midfielder's long-range strike secured a 1-1 draw against Everton, lifting Sunderland back into the Premier League's top four. This places the newly-promoted side in a Champions League spot early in the season.

"He must be the signing of the season," remarked ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports before the game. "Is there anyone in the Premier League having such an impact anywhere? Arguably not." After being named man of the match, Carragher added, "He was excellent again, head and shoulders above almost anyone else on that pitch."

Xhaka leads his Sunderland team-mates in nearly every key statistic. His league-wide impact is also evident; he has provided three assists (only three players have more, with four each). He ranks joint-11th for chances created, and only two players have set up more opportunities from set-plays than his nine.

Among outfield players, only Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi (56) has completed more long passes than Xhaka's 52, although the Swiss player has attempted fewer (87 compared to Senesi's 138). He also ranks in the top 20 for passes (552), balls into the box (56), and possession won (49).

His recent goal marked his first in the Premier League since his final match with Arsenal, where he scored twice against Wolves on the final day of the 2022-23 season.

Manager Regis Le Bris commented: "He's really important because we have many young players and many new players in this league. They don't know the condition and one player like Granit, with his previous experiences, is really important for us. He has this quality to score. I'm happy to have this kind of player. He wants to play football, he wants to be competitive, he's always connected with the game and he sets the standards."

Former Sunderland defender Jonny Evans, also speaking on Sky Sports, noted: "He is the only one on the squad with real experience. They can rely on him for anything. Also his performance level is excellent."

This is Xhaka's second stint in England, having played 297 times for Arsenal from 2016 to 2023. He subsequently joined Bayer Leverkusen, winning the title under Xabi Alonso in their unbeaten domestic season of 2023-24. Erik ten Hag, then the Leverkusen boss, initially insisted Xhaka would not be sold this summer. However, the midfielder moved to Sunderland, and Ten Hag was sacked a few weeks into the season.

"I didn't expect to come back after Germany but you never know where you land," Xhaka said. "To be back made me happy. I knew the project to bring experience and show the guys day by day. It makes me happy to score a goal."

Xhaka had a complex relationship with Arsenal, marked by five red cards, a brief and controversial captaincy in 2019, and clashes with fans. His situation improved under Mikel Arteta, becoming a key player before his 2023 departure for Germany.

Carragher added: "After what he went through at Arsenal, he showed great character to come back from that. The impact he has had, if he can be part of a Sunderland team who finishes in the top 10 – or even just stays up - he will be remembered for a very long time."

Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle: "He exemplifies a top professional. When he was an Arsenal player at times you felt like he was a bit of a villain. Over the years we have seen him mature and develop. We've seen a slightly more restrained version of Xhaka, but it's actually better than the fully committed, blowing steam out of his ears sort of player that we saw at Arsenal. He's a little bit more measured, calmer and a better professional. To have that in your squad especially when you've got a young squad, and everyone believes in him, he's a talisman. We need to wrap him in cotton wool and keep him going for 38 games."