PEOPLE DON’T WATCH THE GAME PROPERLY ANY MORE” Granit Xhaka NAMES SUNDERLAND TEAMMATE AS PREMIER LEAGUE’S MOST UNDERRATED PLAYER IN FIERY INTERVIEW

In a revealing and unusually outspoken interview, Granit Xhaka has sparked major debate after naming the player he believes is the most underrated at Sunderland AFC and potentially one of the most underappreciated players in the entire Premier League.

The experienced midfielder, known for his leadership, intensity, and straight-talking personality, did not hesitate when asked about modern football culture and how players are judged in today’s game.

“People don’t watch the game properly any more,” Xhaka said. “It’s all about highlights, clips, stats… but that’s not football.”

His comments immediately gained attention, reflecting a frustration shared by many professionals who feel the game is increasingly judged through a narrow lens of numbers and social media moments.

A STRONG VIEW ON MODERN FOOTBALL ANALYSIS

Xhaka expanded on his criticism of how performances are evaluated, arguing that too much emphasis is placed on goals, assists, and viral moments rather than the full 90-minute contribution of a player.

“You can have someone who plays an incredible game, wins every duel, keeps the team organised, does everything right and people will still say he didn’t do much because he didn’t score,” he explained. “That’s not how football works at this level.”

Having played across Europe for clubs like Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen before his move to Sunderland, Xhaka emphasised that internal team assessment is very different from public perception.

“In football, what matters inside the dressing room is completely different from what people see online,” he added. “Fans see moments. We see the full picture.”

THE INVISIBLE WORK THAT HOLDS TEAMS TOGETHER

The Sunderland midfielder then shifted focus to what he described as the “invisible work” in football  the contributions that rarely make headlines but are essential to team success.

“People don’t see the positioning, the communication, the covering, the discipline,” he said. “Those things don’t show up in highlights, but they decide games.”

At Sunderland AFC, where structure, organisation, and collective effort are key principles, Xhaka believes those qualities are especially important.

“You need players who are willing to sacrifice for the team,” he continued. “Not everything is about being the star. Sometimes it’s about doing the job that allows others to shine.”

NO HESITATION  THE NAME REVEALED

After setting out his broader views, Xhaka was asked directly to name the teammate he believes best represents that overlooked role within the squad.

He did not hesitate.

“For me, it’s Dan Ballard,” he said. “No doubt.”

The immediate confidence in his answer quickly became the focal point of the discussion, especially among Sunderland supporters.

“HE DOES EVERYTHING THAT GOES UNNOTICED”

Xhaka was quick to elaborate on his choice, offering a detailed explanation of why Ballard stands out in his eyes.

“He does everything that goes unnoticed,” Xhaka said. “Defending in the box, winning headers, reading danger before it happens that’s his game.”

Dan Ballard has developed a reputation as a physically dominant and highly reliable defender, known for his aerial strength, tackling, and commitment in defensive situations.

“People might not talk about him every week,” Xhaka continued. “But if you actually watch closely, you see how important he is.”

A DEFENSIVE PRESENCE THAT CHANGES GAMES

Xhaka highlighted that Ballard’s contribution often goes beyond simple defensive actions, pointing to his influence on the team’s overall structure.

“He organises the back line, he communicates, he stays focused,” Xhaka said. “That gives the whole team confidence.”

In the intensity of the Premier League, where small margins often decide results, such reliability is crucial.

“Not every player needs to be in the headlines,” he added. “Some players are there to make sure everything works properly behind the scenes.”

CONSISTENCY OVER GLAMOUR

Another major theme in Xhaka’s comments was consistency  something he believes Ballard delivers at a high level.

“You know exactly what you’re going to get from him,” he said. “Every game, same focus, same commitment.”

That consistency, Xhaka argued, is often undervalued in public discussions about football performance.

“In modern football, people chase moments,” he explained. “But consistency is what builds teams.”

INSIDE THE DRESSING ROOM RESPECT

Xhaka also made it clear that Ballard’s importance is fully recognised within the Sunderland squad, even if external opinions vary.

“In the dressing room, everyone knows his value,” he said. “You see it every day in training and in matches.”

That internal perspective, he suggested, is what often separates professional evaluation from fan perception.

“Fans don’t always see the tactical side,” Xhaka added. “But players and coaches do.”

FANS REACT DIVIDED OPINION EMERGES

As expected, Xhaka’s comments quickly triggered debate among supporters, with reactions reflecting both agreement and scepticism.

🗣️ “Ballard is underrated Xhaka is right.”

🗣️ “Good defender, but most underrated in the league? That’s a big claim.”

🗣️ “This is why players value different things than fans do.”

🗣️ “Defenders never get the credit they deserve anyway.”

The mixed response highlights the ongoing divide between statistical recognition and tactical appreciation in modern football analysis.

While the spotlight is on Dan Ballard, Xhaka’s comments go beyond one individual.

His interview touches on a wider issue in football the growing tendency to evaluate players through data, clips, and highlights rather than full match context.

By speaking so openly, Granit Xhaka has encouraged fans to look deeper at the game and appreciate contributions that are not always visible on the surface.

 

One thing was clear throughout the interview  Xhaka was completely certain in his opinion.

No hesitation. No second guess. No attempt to soften his stance.

He made his choice.

And he stood by it firmly.

Whether fans agree or not, his message remains consistent: football is not just about goals, assists, or highlights  it is about everything that happens to make those moments possible.