‘The Boss’ – Sunderland star hailed, could be playing for a bigger team

Sunderland star Granit Xhaka should be called ‘The Boss’ and could be playing a role for Arsenal still.

That’s according to Thomas Hitzelsperger, who has been singing his praises to Blick. It seems he’s a big fan of the Sunderland midfielder.

Xhaka joined Sunderland in the summer in a €15m deal from Bayern Leverkusen. It was one of the more eye-catching deals of the summer, given the midfielder was considered a key player at the German club.

He, though, was reportedly sold on the Sunderland project by the club’s ownership. That has been evident on the pitch so far as he’s shone for the Black Cats, who also made him their captain.

The Switzerland midfielder has been key to the Black Cats impressive season so far, putting in a long list of top tier performances that have had fans and pundits alike raving about him. Hitzlsperger is one of them.

“The Boss” would be fitting, given how dominant he is on the pitch,” he said when asked to give the Sunderland star a nickname.

“He’s a team player. He makes his teammates better. He has the complete package: a precise passer, a good shot, and is physically strong,” he added when asked to explain what makes him so special.

Sunderland player still at top level

Then came the question of whether he could still be playing for Arsenal. Xhaka made 297 appearances for the Gunners after joining in 2016. He left in 2023 after something of a rollercoaster ride at the Emirates.

By that point he had rehabilitated himself under Mikel Arteta. But that came after a very public falling out with the club’s fanbase due to his performances.

Arsenal have since rebuilt their midfield with several big-name signings in that department. But Hitzlsperger thinks the Sunderland captain could have a role still.

“Arsenal currently has one of the best defensive midfielders in European football in Declan Rice. And the club has cleverly strengthened its squad depth. But Xhaka would also have a role in that squad, yes,” he concluded.