BARDO ON XHAKA

Phil Bardsley has spoken about the eye-catching signing of Granit Xhaka at Sunderland and how he thinks we'll get on in the Premier League. The fullback was speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com.

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

“He’s got a bit of character to him, that’s always key in the Premier League. He’s quite colourful, Xhaka, he knows how to put his foot in, score goals and get around the pitch. He’s been there and done it in the Premier League."

PREMIER LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

“He’s a good fit, but I think you need more than one player with Premier League experience in key areas. The back four looks a little bit inexperienced. Listen the players they’ve got are tremendous, however, at Premier League level you’re really going to get tested. I think they would benefit from a bit more experience."

NEW SIGNINGS

“I don’t really know many of the players they’ve brought in, so for me it’s a bit of a concern to be honest. It’s not a concern from the players’ point of view, they’re obviously going to be talented. But from a Premier League point of view you’ve got to have that experience and you’ve got to have that know-how of how to win games, especially at home. It’s at home that the chances of surviving will come, but I always believe you need that bit of know-how and experience to help the young players. Hopefully they’ll try and recruit a few experienced Premier League players, but it’s yet to be seen.”

JOBE AND WATSON EXITS

“I felt it was coming with Jobe, it looked like he was going to leave and a deal for Tommy Watson had already been done. But to be fair I’m disappointed with the pair of them, I think they’ve both jumped ship too soon. I’d have loved to have seen the pair of them in the Premier League this season. I’d love to have seen them give one more season to Sunderland."

TRANSFER PLANS IN PLACE

“Watson was already tied up with Brighton, who have an incredible recruitment system, so that deal was done. But you can’t fault Bellingham for what their kid [Jude] did, Dortmund is a big club and it [the deal] was a lot of money for Sunderland to go and spend in the window. However, I’d have loved to have seen Jobe in the Premier League because of all his attributes. He’s got the physical stature for it and I think his all-round game would suit the Premier League. Fair play though, they’ve both served the club well and hopefully they go on and do well for their new clubs.”