One Sunderland player has proved that he will be vital in the upcoming campaign after ranking in the Championship top three in a vital statistic.
The 2023/24 campaign is all but over. For many of the Sunderland faithful, the season has been over for some time with the Black Cats having little to play for.
Despite being in the battle for the playoffs at the start of 2024, the club fell off a cliff due to multiple factors.
Many of Sunderland’s first team have failed to perform with Mike Dodds unable to consistently get the best out of his side.
However, some players have stood out throughout the season including Trai Hume. The defender has continued to perform despite Sunderland’s woes.
In the 1-0 defeat to Watford, Hume was named as the ‘brightest player on the pitch’.
Now, an incredible statistic has emerged which shows that the 22-year-old will be indispensable next season.
Trai Hume ranked third-best at defending in the Championship
The coming months will be vital for many of Sunderland’s first-team. With a new manager expected to be appointed at some point soon, the players will no doubt have to prove themselves to the incoming boss.
For many, this could be a tough task, with promotion to the Premier League the ultimate aim for the Black Cats.
However, one player who shouldn’t need to audition is Hume. According to WhoScored, the 22-year-old has been one of the Championship’s best defensive players.
Hume has averaged 3.3 tackles per game which is the third-highest in the Championship. Coventry’s Ben Sheaf tops the list with 3.4 meaning Hume could still top the list going into the final game.
The Sunderland ace also averages 1.4 interceptions per match as well as 1.8 clearances. Overall, WhoScored has given Hume an average rating of 6.97, only Jack Clarke has higher.
Sunderland must build a team around Trai Hume
This summer, multiple departures are expected. After failing to achieve promotion this season, Clarke is widely expected to leave.
Other star men such as Jobe Bellingham and Anthony Patterson have also been linked away over recent months.
Hume is one player that Sunderland cannot let depart. Consistency is key for any promotion campaign and the 22-year-old has proved he is capable of achieving this.
Whoever is in charge of Sunderland this summer must make a team around players like Hume.
The defender shows every sign that he could one day be a Premier League player and under the right guidance, there is no reason why he can’t reach this.