Lutsharel Geertruida faces Sunderland test after what Northern Ireland media said about Trai Hume
Sunderland have several options at right-back after a successful summer window.
15 new arrivals checked in at the Stadium of Light over the course of the summer, albeit one of those being Marc Guiu, who returned to Chelsea after just a few weeks.
Sunderland bolstered all areas of their squad, with two new additions moving to Wearside to improve the depth that the Black Cats have at right-back.
Lutsharel Geertruida and Nordi Mukiele both made the move to the Stadium of Light, and while the latter has already made his Sunderland debut, it may be a while before Geertruida is handed his first start in red and white.
Trai Hume impresses in Northern Ireland win
Since joining Sunderland in League One from Linfield, Trai Hume has gone from strength to strength to strength.
Hume was rewarded with a new contract at Sunderland as a result of his performances over the last 12 months, which seemingly earned him the captain’s armband for his country this week.
In a 3-1 victory over Luxembourg on Thursday, Hume started on the right of a back three, with various news outlets praising his performance.
- 7 rating – “The captain showed his worth once more at the back.” (Belfast Live)
- “Proud captain on the night, the right back won free kicks in dangerous areas, one of which almost led to a Devenny goal. Was on the receiving end of some nasty tackles.” (Belfast Telegraph)
Via Fotmob, the 23-year-old completed 93 per cent of his 61 attempted passes, while also completing his only attempted dribble.
In typical Hume fashion, he won seven of his eight ground defensive duels, making three tackles and two clearances in the process.
Trai Hume’s place is safe at Sunderland
While Geertruida is a superb addition to an already talented Sunderland squad, there is no reason for Hume to lose his place in the side.
Mukiele is likely to stay as the partner for Omar Alderete, leaving Geertruida with a battle if he is to break into the first team.
He will get chances to impress, and there is every possibility that he eventually dethrones Hume from his starting position, but as of now, Hume will start for the Black Cats.
Given the concerns that emerged at the start of the summer window, having a full-Netherlands international as an option from the bench is a testament to the level of progress made by Sunderland.
Sign up for the Mackem News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Sunderland AFC news sent straight to your phone.