Daniel Farke showed in the last campaign that he loves a player who can fill gaps and adapt under pressure, especially when the Leeds United boss turned Archie Gray into a makeshift right-back to solve problems at the back.
He has also regularly replaced Ethan Ampadu when needed, with the former Chelsea man playing alongside Joe Rodon in the heart of defense when he was moved back, having started the season primarily in a holding midfielder position.
So it’s to be expected that he’ll want to have more talent at his disposal next season that can fill multiple positions all over the field as that defensive end gets noticed.
Leeds can go back for Sunderland’s gem
According to a report from Leeds Live last month, Leeds are interested in bringing Black Cats gem Trai Hume to Elland Road this summer, but they are not the only party interested in swooping in to grab the Northern Irishman.
Both Leicester City and Aston Villa have previously been linked with interest and those top clubs have a potential advantage in the race to land the Sunderland standout as both clubs have Premier League status.
However, it is unlikely to be easy for Leeds, having recently gone out of their way to secure Rodon’s permanent signature, despite Ipswich Town and Southampton sneaking up from the top division.
A tenacious and hot-headed approach and offering the versatility Farke adores, Hume could even become Leeds’ next Stuart Dallas if given time to thrive in West Yorkshire, with the 22-year-old also hailing from Northern Ireland just like the white legend.
How Hume Leeds could be the next Dallas
Geographical similarities aside, Hume – much like Dallas in his many years in white Leeds – proved capable in a number of different areas on the pitch for Sunderland.
This season just ended, Hume filled in for the back four as injuries began to pile up at the Stadium of Light, while even starting as a defensive midfielder in isolation from the previous campaign.
His importance to Sunderland’s cause really comes to the fore when you look at the table above, with the Wearside side able to hang on if not for Hume’s brave steps on target time and time again.
He is a long way from being as versatile as Dallas once was for Leeds before the devastating news of his retirement was revealed, with the 33-year-old playing in a ridiculous seven different positions for the Whites during his illustrious nine years, but will still be vital to Farke in a number of problem areas if he is recruited.
Football journalist Josh Bunting described him as “outstanding” last season, while interim boss Mike Dodds was also full of praise, saying:
“If he continues the way he’s going, Trai will go to the Premier League. That’s how good I think he is. When you think about the full-backs in this league, Trai would definitely be one of the best, if not the best – he’s coming back into the league and I think so there won’t be much arguing about it.”
Although the Sunderland collective have struggled to muster positive patches of form, Hume – like Dallas – has an eye for goal and creation even when fulfilling his defensive duties.
The popular Sunderland figure had a goal and an assist in league play last season to add to his tally of six assists, but it’s his combative nature that has really won the hearts of the Wearside faithful, averaging 6.7 tackles last term . campaign.
For added context, Dallas – best under Bielsa during the 20/21 campaign in the top flight – only managed a paltry average of 4.7 matches won, but had an excellent eight league goals for their efforts.
Leeds will need their fair share of brave fighters next season as promotion becomes a target again and Hume will then be the perfect buy.