Trai Hume could be Sunderland’s next sacrifice, the numbers show why
Trai Hume is the only Sunderland regular who has played consistently since their League One days.
Sunderland have had a brilliant start to the season, and a lot of that is down to their defensive solidity under the stewardship of Regis Le Bris.
Only four teams have conceded less than the Black Cats after seven games, and only seven teams have conceded less xG.
Hume has been a regular throughout that, but that could change when the Wearsiders return to face Wolves after the international break.
Dan Neil and Anthony Patterson have already been frozen out of the side as a result of Sunderland’s summer business, and the Northern Ireland international could be next.
Sunderland need to get Dan Ballard back into the side
Dan Ballard has been immense for Sunderland this season, and he only lost his place because of an injury picked up in their defeat to Burnley.
Alongside Omar Alderte and Nordi Mukiele, Sunderland have three incredible centre-back options for a newly-promoted side, though the latter can also feature elsewhere.
Mukiele, who has even earned praise from Alan Shearer, has spent a large portion of his career playing as a right-back.
Of course, Hume has been the starter there, but if Sunderland are to get Ballard back into their starting 11, he may have to be the next sacrifice.
Ballard has registered the most blocks and clearances per 90 in the Premier League, averaging 4.9 more than Virgil van Dijk per game.
He simply has to be in the starting 11 going forward, and it would almost certainly be at the expense of Hume.
Trai Hume is Sunderland’s weakest defender
Hume has been incredible for Sunderland since joining from Linfield, but as already showcased at the Stadium of Light, there is no room for sentimental decisions when it comes to fighting against relegation.
Via FotMob, Hume has won 60 per cent of his duels this season, with Mukiele at 69.4 per cent and Ballard at 72.2 per cent.
Of course, Hume has been involved in more, but it showcases, especially on Mukiele’s behalf, that he would offer far more defensive security at full-back.
With a pass accuracy of 72.9 per cent, he is also by far the weakest of the three in that regard, having completed only four more than Mukiele.
Le Bris needs to put his best 11 out each week, and that includes a back four of Reinildo, Alderete, Ballard and Mukiele.
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