Any doubts over the midfielder’s ability to cope with the pace and intensity of the Premier League once again were quickly cast aside as he began to draw plaudits for his performances on a consistent basis. Xhaka continues to play an integral role in a Sunderland side that are still in the mix for a place in European competition next season as they head into Saturday’s visit to already relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers sitting just three points adrift of the top seven.

The former Arsenal captain will hope to round off a fine first year on Wearside by guiding his side into Europe for only the second time in their history and that could trigger another thrilling summer transfer window as Le Bris’ men look to push for success on several fronts. Xhaka has drawn praise from former Sunderland midfielder Tommy Miller as he stressed the signing of the Switzerland star has become the catalyst for everything that has followed.

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He told The Echo: “He’s been outstanding. As soon as Regis Le Bris got him through the door, the eyebrows were raised and you knew they were going to have a right go. He let players go that did ever so well for them during the Championship season and got them promoted – but time doesn’t wait for anybody and he realised the Premier League provided a massive jump in class. I’ve been there as a player, I’ve seen it, I have been in and around it and it’s a big step from the Championship. As soon as you get a player of Granit Xhaka’s quality and calibre through the door, it’s easy for other players to follow.”

Gamble

Miller – recently appointed as the new Spennymoor Town boss on a full-time basis – praised the impressive recruitment drive at Sunderland that has inspired a season that has already surpassed all expectations – but he believes his former club could face a challenge retaining the services of several of their summer additions.

He said: “The recruitment at Sunderland has been unbelievable and the big challenge could be to keep hold of the likes of Robin Roefs, Omar Alderete, Noah Sadiki. Enzo Le Fee has stepped up to the plate. I know he played in the Championship but he has been brilliant. There’s Brian Brobbey too. These are players that other clubs maybe thought would be a risk or a gamble. Sunderland have gone for them, they backed the manager and he has delivered on the pitch.”