Reinildo has credited Granit Xhaka for his influential presence both on and off the pitch at Sunderland following their remarkable comeback victory over Chelsea.
Xhaka exhibited another stellar performance for the Black Cats at Stamford Bridge, helping them overturn an early goal by Alejandro Garnacho to secure a stunning 2-1 win, with Chemsdine Talbi scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time.
After serving a three-match suspension, the former Atlético Madrid left-back made a strong return and commended Xhaka not only for his individual display but also for his leadership in guiding the team through a challenging start. Reinildo highlighted the pivotal role Xhaka plays in fostering team cohesion and maintaining high standards on a daily basis.
“Granit is a significant player, and playing alongside him is extraordinary,” Reinildo expressed. “He possesses a brilliant mind, operates at an elite level, and imparts invaluable experience. In training, he motivates and inspires us – that’s something special. I am honored to share the field with him; it’s a dream come true.
“He contributes not only with his on-field abilities but also in guiding us on and off the pitch,” Reinildo added. “He offers a different perspective during games and helps us adapt to various situations dynamically. Having Granit’s insight is crucial for us to navigate through challenges and secure victories.”
Head coach Régis Le Bris also lauded Xhaka’s impact, describing him as a ‘second coach on the pitch’ and emphasizing the importance of his leadership in shaping the squad’s standards.
“It’s absolutely vital,” Le Bris emphasized. “Granit sets the benchmark for the team daily, not only through his exceptional footballing skills but also by instilling the required standards for success. He serves as a role model for the squad, both on and off the pitch. He plays a pivotal role as a leader amongst the players, akin to a coach on the field, thus proving to be indispensable for the young talents within the team.”
Despite Chelsea taking an early lead, Le Bris stuck with his tactical approach, transitioning from a 5-4-1 defensive formation to a dynamic 4-3-3 during possession, with Trai Hume moving forward into a midfield role. Sunderland’s ability to make subtle adjustments within their strategy following Garnacho’s goal highlighted their adaptability, positioning Le Bris’ tactical flexibility as a significant asset moving forward.
While Xhaka’s standout performance against Chelsea earned him a spot in Alan Shearer’s Premier League Team of the Week, with Shearer praising his ‘masterclass’ in midfield. Shearer hailed Xhaka as an ‘incredible signing’ for Sunderland, recognizing his pivotal role in the team’s recent successes.
“Xhaka produced a midfield masterclass,” Shearer praised. “He elevated his game, orchestrating play, disrupting Chelsea’s attacks, and reaffirming his impact as a sensational addition to Sunderland.”
Shearer’s Premier League Team of the Week included Xhaka alongside a host of other standout performers, acknowledging the impact of Sunderland’s recent success on the league landscape.
