DUBLIN ON SAFC SEASON

Former Aston Villa and Coventry striker (plus Homes Under The Hammer presenter and creator of "The Dube"), Dion Dublin has had his say on what will be a "real test" for Regis Le Bris and the Lads, while also praising Granit Xhaka. Dublin spoke via Reviant.

DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE

"I think the demands on Sunderland this season will be very difficult to manage, and it will be a very different experience to last season for them. Regis Le Bris is going to have to make so many tweaks to his squad to change things, rotate players and make decisions over who he can play in the cup games, so the players are going to have to be patient over when they start or sit on the bench. It’s a real test of him as a manager."

XHAKA INFLUENCE

"What’s important is that they saw off Chelsea’s attempt to sign Granit Xhaka because this is a huge statement but one I stand by. Over the last four seasons, Xhaka has been one of the three best signings any football club has made. That’s how big of a difference he has made to Sunderland. It’s been his experience, his calmness in moments where they might have otherwise panicked, and how he’s taken the responsibility from other players to say give it to me, I’ll slow it down, and we can play at our own pace. It’s been real leadership, and it’s been brilliant from Xhaka. He’ll need to make all those qualities count again this season."