Tommy Miller hails ‘outstanding’ Granit Xhaka and warns Sunderland over keeping summer signings | OneFootball

Former midfielder Tommy Miller has hailed the impact of Granit Xhaka and cautioned that Sunderland could face a battle to retain several summer recruits.

The Switzerland international, now Sunderland captain, was a surprise addition to Regis Le Bris’ promotion winners after leaving Bayer Leverkusen, and he quickly set the tone in the early months. His influence has kept Sunderland in the hunt for Europe as they visit already relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, sitting three points off the top seven.

“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. 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.” He told Sunderland Echo.

Miller, recently appointed Spennymoor Town boss on a full-time basis, said Xhaka’s arrival became the catalyst for a campaign that has exceeded expectations and praised the club’s recruitment.

“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. 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.”

Source: Sunderland Echo