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Sunderland full-back Trai Hume has commented on being dubbed a throwback footballer, which was on full display in the play-off final.
Black Cats full-back Trai Hume was an integral member of the Premier League promotion-winning Sunderland side this season.
As a result of his stellar campaign, in which he featured 47 times in the second tier, Premier League and La Liga clubs are interested in Hume amid the summer transfer window.
However, thankfully for those of a red and white persuasion, Hume has admitted he is “happy” at Sunderland and is looking to achieve his Premier League dream with the Black Cats.
The Sunderland fans will have loved what Hume said about his future, as well as his further comments about his trademark tough-tackling, traditional style.
Although, Sheffield United forward Ben Brereton Diaz may not see the funny side.
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Trai Hume makes hilarious comment after Ben Brereton Diaz incident
Northern Ireland captain Hume has become adored on Wearside for his trademark tough-tackling demeanour.
Sporting a mullet and moustache for the ages, some fans have dubbed Hume a “throwback footballer” by his Northern Ireland boss, Michael O’Neill. However, the Black Cats ace doesn’t agree.
Via the Belfast Telegraph, Hume said: “I get told that. I’m sitting here with a mullet and a moustache, and I slide tackle a lot, so obviously people think that.
“I like to think I’m good enough in the modern game, and I’m a good footballer as well as not just a person who gets stuck in.
“I would probably say I look like one (old-school footballer), but I’m a modern-day footballer.”
Hume’s old-school style has proven difficult for second tier wingers to contend with this season, but he was surprisingly snubbed for a Championship Player of the Season nomination, despite registering nine goal contributions in 47 outings from full-back.
His tenacious tackling is a constant source of joy for Sunderland supporters, which was felt in full force by Blades forward Diaz in the play-off final, and it was Hume’s firm but fair tackle that turned the tie’s momentum in Sunderland’s favour.
Ben Brereton Diaz felt force of Trai Hume in Championship play-off final
In the Championship play-off final, Sheffield United forward Diaz was introduced as a second-half substitute, but he lasted only 17 minutes on the Wembley pitch.
He was introduced for injured Gus Hamer with the score 1-0 to the Blades, but was also forced off through injury, after being on the receiving end of a crunching, but fair, trademark Hume sliding tackle.
After Diaz was withdrawn, the momentum swung in the Black Cats’ favour with the crowd roaring, and minutes later Tommy Watson completed the perfect end to his Sunderland story with his 95th-minute winner.
Hume may look, and tackle, like a footballer from before the millennium, but he is undoubtedly the epitome of the modern full-back.
The 23-year-old is defensively resolute, quality with the ball at his feet, and notches goals and assists regularly for Sunderland.
Also, considering he was bought from Linfield in 2022 for around £200k, makes his rise to prominence as one of English football’s best young full-backs even more impressive.