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

Sunderland’s surge under Regis Le Bris has been built on a settled core, with a minutes-based XI underlining Trai Hume as the standout ever-present.

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

Momentum stems from last season’s Championship play-off final victory against Sheffield United and an emphatic summer window. New arrivals Robin Roefs, Omar Alderete, Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey have all become integral, yet promotion winner Hume has been trusted most.

Sunderland’s most-used XI by minutes 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, Chemsdine Talbi 1,330.

Le Bris has highlighted Hume’s versatility, saying he covers left-back, right-back, wide roles and midfield, and could also feature at centre-back in a back three. He added that Hume enables a natural drop into a five-four-one out of possession and offers varied positions on the ball, which opponents struggle to predict.

Source: Sunderland Echo