Sunderland’s most-used XI as Regis Le Bris hails defensive stalwart | OneFootball

Regis Le Bris has leaned on a settled core as Sunderland exceed expectations in the Premier League, and promotion winner Trai Hume has logged the most minutes in the side. The head coach has praised the defender’s versatility.

According to Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats resume after the international break with a home game against struggling Tottenham Hotspur, buoyed by a historic Tyne-Wear derby win at Newcastle United. They are in the mix for European football for only the second time in their history, the first since Bob Stokoe took them into the Cup Winners Cup after the 1973 FA Cup win over Leeds United.

Momentum from last season’s Championship play-off final victory over Sheffield United, allied to an overwhelmingly successful summer window, has underpinned a remarkable campaign for Le Bris’ new-look squad.

Based on minutes played, the most-used XI reads: Robin Roefs (2,520), Nordi Mukiele (2,165), Omar Alderete (2,356), Dan Ballard (2,008), Trai Hume (2,585), Granit Xhaka (2,273), Noah Sadiki (2,297), Habib Diarra (1,103), Enzo Le Fee (2,306), Brian Brobbey (1,370) and Chemsdine Talbi (1,330).

Le Bris said recently: "He has a strong versatility." "Left-back, right-back, right-winger, midfielder, probably centre-back." "With a right winger like Trai, it's easy to drop in a 5-4-1 naturally, organically." He added that Hume can operate wide, inside or as a double pivot in the 10-pocket, which keeps opponents guessing.

Source: Sunderland Echo