I'm excited by the prospect of playing in 'scary' Premier League, says Talbi

Chemsdine Talbi believes Granit Xhaka's arrival will give Sunderland the experience and leadership they need to thrive in the Premier League - as the Black Cats prepare for the final stretch of their preseason schedule.

- by Phil Smith

The Black Cats continued their preseason campaign against Spanish side Real Betis at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, and kick off their topflight curtain-raiser against West Ham United on August 16.

And Talbi says new signing Xhaka, a £17.5million arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, is already making a positive impact behind the scenes.

"He's a good player," Talbi said.

"I think he will bring a lot of experience to the team that I think we need, and I'm really excited to play with him."

The 20-year-old winger joined Sunderland this summer and is among several young players tipped to play a major role in the Black Cats' Premier League push.