Sunderland surprised a number of people when they signed Granit Xhaka this summer.

Martin Keown is the latest pundit to laud Granit Xhaka’s influence at Sunderland after the Black Cats fantastic start to the Premier League campaign.

The ex-Arsenal defender has been struck by how Xhaka – a former Gunner himself – has had such an influence over Sunderland and how he has helped steer them to such a healthy position in the Premier League table.

The Swiss international returned to the Premier League with the Black Cats this summer after a successful period at Bayer Leverkusen.

His previous time in England with Arsenal saw him targeted by fans at times, but his role under Regis Le Bris has been central to the run of form that sees Sunderland sitting fourth heading into November.

Keown reckons the fact Xhaka was allowed to leave the Bundesliga side was a “disaster” for the Germans.

A leader himself as a player alongside captain Tony Adams, Keown highlighted the importance of Xhaka’s spell at the Emirates to Le Bris’ side, with the club back in the Premier League after...