Senderos declares Granit Xhaka one of the signings of the season

The international break has given us a chance to step back and take stock of how things are shaping up across the Premier League - away from the glare of the so-called bigger clubs.

We recently caught up with former Arsenal and Switzerland defender Philippe Senderos, who shared his thoughts on Jack Grealish’s resurgence at Everton, Aston Villa’s fluctuating form, the importance of Granit Xhaka at Sunderland, and Fabian Schär’s situation at Newcastle.

Grealish thriving at Everton

Jack Grealish has long been considered one of the Premier League and England’s most exciting, maverick-style players - someone willing to take risks, create chances from nothing, and receive the ball in any situation with the intent to make something happen. It’s what made him Aston Villa’s talisman. It’s what convinced Manchester City to spend £100 million on him. It’s also why David Moyes was so keen to bring him to Everton.

Senderos, who played alongside Grealish during their shared time at Villa, believes the 30-year-old is finally benefitting from the freedom that was often missing at City.

“There are no bad players. If you play in the Premier League, you are a top player. It is all about the environment, and for Jack Grealish I obviously was with him at Aston Villa, I know he is a top player. He needs an environment with more freedom to express himself.”

“Maybe the size of Everton and the way things are done there, that is something he will appreciate. He will enjoy it, and Grealish is not a young player anymore, he has experience now. It is an exciting time to be at Everton with a new stadium and the manager coming back.”

“The intent to sign players and keep the best players is exciting. Jack will enjoy his football there.”

Villa must push for Premier League’s top spots

Senderos’ former club Aston Villa endured a slow and difficult start to the campaign, but recent performances suggest a return to the level that made them Champions League contenders a few seasons ago. Their thumping 4–0 victory over Bournemouth - themselves enjoying a strong spell - was a reminder of their true potential.

Senderos insists that Villa must continue to compete for the league’s top positions, particularly after last season’s Champions League push.

“Aston Villa has to be contenders for the top spots. They played in the Champions League last season, but after that the players are rumoured to move away and there is a lot of speculation.”

“Then you have to come back to reality, and the reality of Aston Villa is that they are still a club where you might not just rely on their qualities. They need to work and they probably found it a bit difficult to be consistent. They need to go back to this and continue to work.”

“Unai Emery is a great manager and he works in the details and will work hard on the training ground every day.”

Xhaka’s Sunderland revival: “one of the signings of the season”

Granit Xhaka’s influence at Sunderland has been immense. With the club currently sitting fourth on 19 points, the early signs suggest that relegation fears won’t be part of their story this season.

Xhaka’s reputation has transformed dramatically - from a difficult period at Arsenal to a brilliant final season under Mikel Arteta, followed by a title-winning year with Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. Now, he’s steering Sunderland in a direction few predicted back in August.

“I am not surprised, because I know the kind of character that Granit Xhaka has. I am really impressed with how he has had an impact on that Sunderland team. Everything he does is contagious. You can see that on the pitch. He is a leader, people feel it and he gets people behind the team.”

“So, I have been impressed with him. Going from the Premier League to the Bundesliga and doing so well at Leverkusen, winning the title and then coming back at that age and having such an impact is so impressive.”

Xhaka’s competitive fire is well known - sometimes too much, some critics might argue, but it’s that same intensity that makes him a leader. Senderos believes his influence speaks for itself.

“I am really pleased for him, because he is a great guy. I know how much he cares about every single game. I have seen him coming up in the national team and I played with him in his debut at Wembley. You could already see his qualities back then, but over the years he has just added even more determination and leadership.”

“So he is a very great signing. Definitely a very great signing.”

Xhaka is currently priced at 3/1 to score or assist for the Black Cats against Fulham this weekend, and if you fancy backing him to do so, you can check out our free bet calculator to work out any potential earnings.

Newcastle face tough decision over Schär’s future

Fabian Schär is now in the final year of his contract and will be free to negotiate a pre-contract with overseas clubs from January. The 33-year-old has been a key figure for Newcastle for years, and replacing him will be no easy task.

Senderos echoed that sentiment, praising Schär’s consistency and versatility.

“Fabian Schar has been there for many years now. He is able to play in a back four and back three. He is good on the ball and defends very well. He even scores goals.”

“It is very impressive what he has done in the Premier League. He has done really well.”

Rangers backed to bounce back

North of the border, Senderos’ former club Rangers have endured a disappointing start to the season, culminating in the dismissal of manager Russell Martin. With Celtic enjoying sustained dominance, the pressure on Rangers has rarely been higher - but Senderos is confident the club will eventually recover.

“Yeah it is disappointing and we know if Rangers doesn`t do well in Scotland, it is not easy. Not many other teams can step up. Celtic and Rangers are big clubs and have to be competing and winning games.”

“I am sure Rangers will come back.”

“The fans are very passionate. Every day in the city people remind you who you are playing for and call you names if you are playing for the wrong side. This is a part of it in Glasgow. The passion is huge and the atmosphere in the stadium is something to experience. Every football player who gets this chance should experience it.”

“Football is lived there every day and not just played. It is an amazing place. They need to go back and be successful. They brought in a new manager, so let´s see what happens.”

Read more as Philippe Senderos praises Arsenal's defensive strength this season