Sunderland fans are all saying the same thing about Granit Xhaka, ‘prime De Bruyne’…

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Sunderland fans could not believe what they saw from Granit Xhaka during the 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest.

The Black Cats have been sensational upon their return to the top flight, and the latest result leaves the side sitting third in the Premier League table.

Regis Le Bris deserves all the plaudits for the mind-blowing job he is doing at the Stadium of Light; even the most optimistic supporter would not have envisioned this start to the campaign.

Sunderland were still strong favourites for relegation heading into the clash, but based on points tallies over the last ten seasons, they are now well-positioned to avoid the drop after only six matches.

And summer signing Granit Xhaka has been transformative for the Black Cats since arriving this summer – the supporters cannot get enough of the midfielder.

Granit Xhaka blew away Sunderland fans

The 33-year-old was a shock arrival in the Premier League when he completed a £17.3 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Now, Xhaka will be key to Sunderland’s survival this season, and he continued his stellar start in Wearside as he assisted Omar Alderete for the only goal of the game at the City Ground.

And the Sunderland fans have taken to social media to express their gratitude towards the Swiss international, with one supporter comparing him to Kevin De Bruyne, “Xhaka turning into prime De Bruyne, Forest getting cooked.”

“Granit Xhaka is unbelievable, man, still can’t believe he plays for Sunderland,” another wrote.

German legend Lothar Matthaus was shocked when Xhaka joined Sunderland, as was the rest of the football world, but what a decision it has proved to be by all involved.

Another fan wrote: “Brilliant first half. Contained them well, I’d get Masuaku off with him being on a yellow, known for being rash. Xhaka has got to be the signing of the season so far.”

While another believes Xhaka has now established himself as the main man under Le Bris, “The entire Sunderland team runs on the Xhaka engine… What a player!”

“Perfect delivery from Xhaka, that’s Premier League class right there.”

Furthermore, one supporter has suggested that Sunderland could make a push for European qualification this season based on Xhaka’s display: “Xhaka has been phenomenal. Conference league black cats.”

Granit Xhaka is now one of the assists leaders in the Premier League

According to Opta Analyst, Xhaka’s assist for Alderete means he is now only one behind league leader Jack Grealish.

The midfielder has assisted 57% of the Black Cats’ goals in the top-flight thus far – he is clearly the most influential player for Le Bris.

Xhaka, alongside in-form forward Wilson Isidor, has lifted Sunderland to greater heights than even the players may have expected at this early stage of the season.

Of course, there is still plenty of football to be played from now until May, but with Manchester United up next for the Black Cats, they are arguably heading to Old Trafford as the favourites for that clash.