Regis Le Bris to take note as Trai Hume struggles highlighted away from Sunderland
Trai Hume had a bad day at the office in Northern Ireland’s defeat to Slovakia on Friday.
Northern Ireland lost 1-0 to Slovakia in the World Cup qualifiers, and with other results going against them, it means Hume’s country cannot mathematically finish top of Group A
Hume will still be hopeful that his national team can qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with a play-off spot already secured.
Sunderland have had a fantastic start to the season, and Hume has been a big reason for the success under Regis Le Bris.
Hume has been hailed for his performances for the Black Cats, but his showing against Slovakia is emerging as one to forget.
Sunderland’s Trai Hume struggles vs Slovakia
Hume was not the only Sunderland man to struggle, with Dan Ballard being sent off for his country in stoppage time.
Despite Northern Ireland only conceding one goal, it could and probably should have been much more in terms of the score line.
- Slovakia had 62% possession
- Slovakia created three big chances from 16 shots
- Hume made an error leading to a shot and lost possession 14 times
Sunderland’s Hume was under constant threat all game and had major “pressure” to deal with as he couldn’t help Northern Ireland to a clean sheet.
In the Irish FA‘s report of the game, they said: “The Northern Ireland back three of Paddy McNair, Ballard and Ruairi McConville, flanked by Devenny and Hume, had to be on their toes to clear a series of crosses into the area.”
Belfast Live said: “Hume was under pressure against Haraslin, the brilliant Slovak winger. Still, he put in a solid shift,” as they gave him a rating of 6/10.
The Belfast Telegraph also gave Hume an underwhelming 6/10 rating.
Northern Ireland’s head coach, Michael O’Neill, deployed Hume as a right-wing back, but this may not have been the best option to go for.
Hume is best suited at right-back
The Mackems have seen Le Bris play multiple systems this season, with a masterclass in tactics on display when Sunderland played Chelsea in October.
Hume has played a multitude of positions for the Black Cats, including right-wing back.
| Player | Positions played this season |
| Tari Hume | Right-back, left-back, right-wing back |
But after his performance for Northern Ireland, it’s now starting to become clear that Hume is best suited as a right-back, and this is something Le Bris would have taken note of.
The versatile defender is capable of being an attacking threat, so he can be a good option further up the field, but when he plays in a deeper position, Hume looks more at home.
Le Bris can take notes from the latest developments on the Sunderland star.
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