Xhaka's arrival has ''transformed'' Sunderland | OneFootball

Dan Ballard believes Granit Xhaka’s arrival has transformed standards at Sunderland and helped drive the club’s push towards the Premier League’s top half.

The Switzerland international was among several additions made after Sunderland secured promotion via the Championship play-offs. Xhaka, 33, joined from Bayer Leverkusen and was immediately handed the captain’s armband, bringing leadership and experience to a squad that has adapted quickly to life back in the top flight.

Sunderland currently sit eighth in the table, just two points outside the top four, following Sunday’s 1-0 derby victory over Newcastle.

Ballard, who came through Arsenal’s academy during Xhaka’s time at the club, spoke about the midfielder’s influence in an interview with the BBC: “He’s an amazing guy.

“I was a bit surprised when we signed him. I wasn’t sure what it’d be like. I didn’t think one person could affect the team the way he’s done.

“From minute one, I think the standards really rose because he does everything to 100%.

“It’s kind of like, well if he’s got that amazing career and he’s still doing everything perfectly, why wouldn’t we? And I think it just sort of lifted the standards.”

Sunderland have recorded seven wins and just four defeats from their opening 16 league matches, with Ballard crediting Xhaka’s mentality for helping set the tone.

“I mean literally everything, from the work in the gym to the standards, he puts out on the training pitch,” the 26-year-old added.

“You know we’ve just been outside, it can be cold and wet and but he’s 100% focused and giving everything in training.

“So when some of us boys may be not putting that work in and you see him doing it, it’s unacceptable for us.

“If he’s doing it, he’s won titles and played hundreds of games in the Premier League. Then why shouldn’t we? It’s lifted everyone.”