'For everything' - Gus Poyet in no doubt over Sunderland 'Player of the Season' | OneFootball

Gus Poyet has hailed Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka as his Player of the Season after the Swiss midfielder’s major impact on Wearside.

Speaking to Sunderland Echo, the former head coach said Xhaka stood out for choosing Sunderland, accepting responsibility and keeping a lid on the euphoria around the team.

Xhaka arrived from Bayer Leverkusen last summer and was immediately made captain by Regis Le Bris. He quickly became a crowd favourite in the North East with commanding performances in midfield.

The 33-year-old missed only four top flight matches through injury. He contributed one goal and six assists in 34 appearances.

His debut campaign at the Stadium of Light culminated in Sunderland clinching a European spot, with Xhaka leading them into next season’s Europa League.

Source: Sunderland Echo