Regis Le Bris has relied on a core of key players as Sunderland have surpassed all expectations in the Premier League this season.
Sunderland are riding the crest of a wave as they prepare to return to Premier League action with a home game against struggling Tottenham Hotspur on the other side of the international break.
Following their historic Tyne-Wear derby win at arch rivals Newcastle United, Regis Le Bris’ side are firmly in the mix for a place in European football for only the second time in their history and the first time since Bob Stokoe led the Black Cats into the Cup Winners Cup following their shock FA Cup final win against Leeds United in 1973.
The momentum gained from last season’s Championship play-off final victory against Sheffield United and an overwhelmingly successful summer transfer window has laid the foundations for one of the most memorable years in the club’s recent history as Le Bris’ new look squad have quickly becoming one of the stories of the Premier League season.
Several summer additions have come to the fore since their arrival on Wearside with the likes of Robin Roefs, Omar Alderete, Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey all integral figures with the Black Cats side - but it is one promotion winner that has been relied upon by Le Bris more than any other member of his squad. The former Lorient head coach has already spoken of his admiration for the defender - but which player is it and how would Sunderland’s starting eleven look if it was based on minutes played during the season?
Sunderland’s starting XI based on minutes played
Nordi Mukiele, Granit Xhaka, Daniel Ballard and Robin Roefs of Sunderland celebrate victory following the Premier League match between Sunderland and Bournemouth at Stadium of Light on November 29, 2025 in Sunderland, England.placeholder image
Nordi Mukiele, Granit Xhaka, Daniel Ballard and Robin Roefs of Sunderland celebrate victory following the Premier League match between Sunderland and Bournemouth at Stadium of Light on November 29, 2025 in Sunderland, England. | Getty Images
GK: Robin Roefs - 2,520 minutes DF: Nordi Mukiele - - 2,165 minutes DF: Omar Alderete - 2,356 minutes DF: Dan Ballard - 2,008 minutes DF: Trai Hume - 2,585 minutes MF: Granit Xhaka - 2,273 minutes MF: Noah Sadiki - 2,297 minutes MF: Habib Diarra - 1,103 minutes FW: Enzo Le Fee - 2,306 minutes FW: Brian Brobbey - 1,370 minutes FW: Chemsdine Talbi - 1,330 minutes
What has Regis Le Bris said about Trai Hume?
Trai Hume in action for Sunderland.placeholder image
Trai Hume in action for Sunderland. | Frank Reid, Sunderland Echo
"He has a strong versatility," Le Bris said recently. "Left-back, right-back, right-winger, midfielder, probably centre-back. I don't know in the back four, I've never tried that but in a back three, 100%. He's versatile and we need this kind of player. When we faced strong teams, away especially, sometimes we may expect that the majority of the game, the defensive phases, will go in deep blocks.
“With a right winger like Trai, it's easy to drop in a 5-4-1 naturally, organically. We can manage this right triangle really easily. With Trai in this position, it's a good principle. With the ball, because he's got this ability to manage different positions, he can play wide, he can play inside, he can play as a double pivot in the 10-pocket. For the opponent, you never know what position he will pick on the pitch. He can manage different positions really efficiently. This versatility is useful."
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