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

Sunderland have exceeded expectations in the Premier League, with Regis Le Bris leaning on a settled core. They resume after the international break with a home game against struggling Tottenham Hotspur.

A historic Tyne-Wear derby win at Newcastle United has kept them in the European mix for only the second time and the first since Bob Stokoe took the club into the Cup Winners Cup in 1973. According to Sunderland Echo, momentum from last season’s play-off final win over Sheffield United and a strong summer window has underpinned their rise.

Summer arrivals Robin Roefs, Omar Alderete, Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey have been central, yet promotion winner Trai Hume has featured more than anyone. Le Bris praises Hume’s versatility, seeing him cover both full-back roles, operate wide or inside, and step into a back three when required. He also highlights Hume’s capacity to take up different positions with the ball, which can unbalance opponents.

The most-used XI by minutes reads: goalkeeper Robin Roefs 2,520, a back line of Nordi Mukiele 2,165, Omar Alderete 2,356, Dan Ballard 2,008 and Trai Hume 2,585, midfielders Granit Xhaka 2,273, Noah Sadiki 2,297 and Habib Diarra 1,103, and a front three of Enzo Le Fee 2,306, Brian Brobbey 1,370 and Chemsdine Talbi 1,330.

The blend of new faces and promotion stalwarts has quickly become one of this season’s standout stories on Wearside. Le Bris’ reliance on adaptable performers has been a defining theme.

Source: Sunderland Echo