Exclusive:'For everything' - Gus Poyet in no doubt over Sunderland 'Player of the Season'

Former Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet has unequivocally picked out Black Cats skipper Granit Xhaka as his Player of the Season on Wearside following the Swiss international’s major impact in helping the club qualify for next season’s Europa League.

The veteran talent completed an unexpected move from German giants Bayer Leverkusen last summer, and was immediately handed the captain’s armband by Regis Le Bris. Since then, he has established himself as a firm favourite in the North East, garnering glowing praise from supporters and pundits alike for his influential showings in the middle of the park.

Xhaka would miss just four top flight fixtures through injury, registering a goal and six assists across his 34 outings, and his impressive debut campaign at the Stadium of Light would culminate with him leading Sunderland to an improbable European qualification spot.

And taking all of that into account, Poyet is in little doubt that the 33-year-old has been the Black Cats’ standout performer this term. Speaking exclusively to The Echo, when asked for his Player of the Season, he said: “Xhaka. Xhaka for everything. Xhaka for making the decision to go to Sunderland. I was very happy and very surprised that he decided to go.

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

“Too many people were telling him, ‘Why are you going to Sunderland? Why? Why? Why?’ He showed why. The impact that he had, the responsibility he accepted, and the way he managed to control the euphoria and all the atmosphere around the team... I'm delighted that he was there this year, and for me he was the Player of the Season.”

Your next Sunderland read: Competition: Get ready for Sunderland's Europa League adventure with new A Love Supreme scarf and badge