Sunderland's recent dip in form has raised questions about what has gone wrong for the Black Cats, with Chelsea's interest in one of their key players potentially having played a part in their struggles this season.
One player who has struggled to replicate his previous form this season is Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, who was a key figure for the Black Cats last year.
One of the biggest talking points during the summer was Chelsea's reported interest in the Swiss international, with Xabi Alonso keen to reunite with the midfielder following their successful spell together at Bayer Leverkusen.
In his search for experience, Alonso instead turned to Jordan Henderson after Sunderland firmly ruled out Xhaka's departure.
Given Xhaka's importance to Sunderland, the possibility of losing such an influential figure naturally raised concerns about how the team would cope without him. However, with the Black Cats now struggling for consistency, it is worth questioning whether the failed move and the uncertainty surrounding his future have contributed to their current problems.
Xhaka deservedly received widespread praise and Sunderland's Player of the Season award following an outstanding debut campaign at the Stadium of Light. However, his performances this season have been a completely different story.
The midfielder has looked short of his usual intensity and no longer appears to show the same passion that made him such a popular figure among Sunderland supporters. His efforts to stop opposition attacks have looked sluggish at times, while his influence in midfield has noticeably declined. The defeats against Coventry and Bournemouth provided clear examples of how easily Sunderland's midfield can be bypassed, raising further questions about Xhaka's current form and ability to dictate games.
Is transfer speculation to blame for poor form?
The speculation may well have had an impact, particularly given Chelsea's status as a bigger club and the possibility that the move represented Xhaka's last chance to return to the highest level of European football, despite the European nights not being held at Stamford Bridge this season
His previous relationship with Xabi Alonso would also have been a major attraction, potentially making the opportunity even harder to turn down. However, blaming Sunderland's struggles entirely on the failed transfer would overlook the wider issues contributing to their dip in form.
Midfield depth is one area that deserves attention. Relying so heavily on an experienced player to provide defensive protection, control possession and dictate the tempo can become problematic over the course of a long season.
Sunderland need other players capable of sharing those responsibilities rather than expecting Xhaka to carry the midfield and influence every aspect of their game.
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