Regis Le Bris’ three most-used outfield players are exactly why Sunderland are tearing up Premier League
Sunderland have taken the Premier League by storm since gaining promotion over the summer.
Sunderland’s shock 2-1 win over Chelsea lifted them to fourth in the Premier League, with only goal difference separating them from Tottenham, who are third.
Indeed, the Black Cats have had an incredible start to the season despite several spectators writing them off before the campaign commenced.
And Regis Le Bris’ squad choices are the biggest reason behind the former Championship club’s success, as Mackem News looks at the three most used outfield players so far.
Trai Hume
Trai Hume has always been loyal to Sunderland, only for his efforts to sometimes go underappreciated.
Indeed, Hume has had a solid start to the season, which has gone under the radar for the most part.
The full-back has started all nine of the Black Cats’ Premier League games, racking up 799 minutes, which is the third-highest among their outfield players.
He has averaged 55.7 touches in the league and has been strong defensively, as highlighted by Sofascore.
- Hume has made 3.4 clearances per game
- He has recovered 2.8 balls per 90
- The full-back has won 60 per cent of his total duels
He also has one assist to his name from 0.36 expected assists and has created one big chance for his team. Complete, committed and formidable would be three words to describe Hume this season.
- Read more: Sunderland have one of the Premier League’s most consistent players and he’s flying under the radar
Noah Sadiki
Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki has been nominated for the Young African Player of the Year Award after an impressive start to the Premier League season.
At just 20 years old, the youngster has shone against midfielders with players almost twice his age.
His stellar form has been rewarded by Le Bris, who has started Sadiki in all nine league games, where he has spent 804 minutes on the pitch.
- He has competed 100 per cent of his dribbles and 56 per cent of his duels
- Sadiki has averaged 47.8 touches in the league
- His passes have been 86 per cent accurate
Indeed, Sadiki is the perfect combination of defensive ability and drive, often carrying the ball to his teammates further up the pitch.
He was considered one to watch upon his arrival at the Stadium of Light this past summer, and he continues to meet expectations each game.
Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka has probably been Sunderland’s best player this season after arriving from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer.
Indeed, the midfielder has played every minute in the Premier League this season, with 810 being his current total. This makes him the Black Cats’ most-used outfield player this season.
- He has assisted three times in the league from 0.80 expected assists
- Xhaka has created four big chances
- He has averaged 1.2 key passes per game
Furthermore, the 33-year-old has been even more impressive defensively, recovering 4.8 balls per game. He’s also made 3.9 clearances per 90 and has won 62 per cent of his duels.
As a result, it is not difficult to see why Xhaka is rated so highly among Sunderland fans.
The verdict?
Le Bris has been so successful these past couple of months because he knows what works and he’s stuck to it.
Xhaka and Sadiki are flying despite recently arriving at the London Stadium.
However, Le Bris has amassed the perfect balance of youth and experience, and these three stars embody that to its fullest.
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