Trai Hume has revealed how comfortable he has become with Sunderland’s demands under Régis Le Bris, insisting he is happy to play wherever the manager believes he can help the team.
The Northern Ireland international has become one of the most versatile members of Le Bris’ squad. He has operated at right-back, up front on the right flank and also featured in different positions depending on Sunderland’s formations.
Rather than seeing that flexibility as a problem, Hume believes it is one of the strengths he can offer.
Hume ready to play wherever Sunderland need him
Trai Hume was asked where he expects to play during another demanding campaign, but the Sunderland defender wasn’t interested in putting himself into one particular position.
“I don’t really know, to be honest,” Hume said when asked where he sees himself playing this season. “I think I’ve always said it from when I first arrived: I’ll always play wherever I’m asked to play and I’ll give my best trying to do that.”
His willingness to move around the pitch has become increasingly valuable to Le Bris.
“Whether that’s on the right-hand side, either position or in the middle, I’ll always try and give my best no matter where I’m playing. I think I kind of understand what the boss wants from his team and from me. And I kind of understand the game in a way, so I can play multiple positions. But I just enjoy playing football, so I’ll play wherever.”
That understanding appears to have helped Hume earn the manager’s trust.
The defender believes being surrounded by quality players has also helped him develop the confidence needed to perform in different roles.
“It’s always important to get confidence for any player,” Hume said. “I think whenever you’re playing with players out there that are top, top players, it gives you confidence. And whenever the boss is trusting you to play wherever he asks you to play, it does give you confidence.”
Hume’s Sunderland journey continues
Hume’s importance to Sunderland is also reflected in the length of his journey with the club.
He joined from Linfield in January 2022 and has since passed the 160-appearance mark for the Black Cats.
During his time with the Black Cats, he has experienced Sunderland’s remarkable rise through the leagues. He helped the club secure promotion from League One, then played his part in their return to the Premier League before contributing to their impressive top-flight campaign that ultimately took them into Europe after finishing 7th.
Now, with the club facing another season of Premier League football alongside European competition, Hume’s versatility could become even more valuable.
But he insists his approach hasn’t changed.
“But I’m just happy playing wherever I’m asked to play. The confidence comes from within; it comes from you. And I’m confident to play anywhere on the pitch. That’s just the way I am.”
That attitude should give Le Bris another dependable option as he manages a Sunderland squad facing a much heavier schedule.
