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Following on from our conversation with former Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley about the Black Cats’ Premier League and European prospects, we turn our attention to the current squad.
And Bardsley has plenty to say.
The former right-back was particularly complimentary about two of Sunderland’s key figures – Granit Xhaka and Trai Hume – while also revealing which member of the current squad reminds him most of himself.
When asked which Sunderland
player he would compare himself to, Bardsley admitted there wasn’t an obvious answer in terms of playing style.
However, personality-wise, one name immediately stood out.
“I’m not sure there’s an obvious comparison. But personality-wise, I’d probably say Granit Xhaka.”
Bardsley believes Xhaka’s influence goes well beyond what he contributes during matches, highlighting the standards the experienced Switzerland international sets around the club.
“You can see the standards he sets, both on the training pitch and in matches,” he said.
“He seems to go a long way with the people around the club as well.”
That is something Bardsley believes he shared with Xhaka during his own career.
“I always felt that was one of my strengths: regardless of who someone was or where they were in the pecking order, everyone deserved to be treated the same way.”
“Xhaka has a bit of quality and class in the way he carries himself and looks after people around the training ground and stadium. I’d like to think I had similar qualities in that respect.”
Bardsley impressed by Hume’s development
Bardsley was equally positive when asked about Trai Hume.
Having played the position himself, he has been able to watch Hume’s development from League One to the Championship, the Premier League and international football.
“He’s been brilliant,” Bardsley said.
“He’s come through League One and the Championship, moved up through the football pyramid and performed at the highest level. He’s done that at international level as well.”
Hume’s increasingly important role within Sunderland’s tactical structure has caught Bardsley’s eye, with the Northern Ireland international often moving into a narrower midfield position.
And Bardsley believes that role could suit him perfectly.
“That narrower midfield role suits him,” he explained.
“It adds another layer of solidity in the middle of the pitch, especially alongside Xhaka. Trai has probably got a bit more energy and mobility, while also giving defensive cover when the full-back goes forward.”
Bardsley also highlighted Hume’s willingness to get involved physically, as well as his ability to contribute at the other end of the pitch.
“He has really good qualities. He isn’t afraid to get stuck in, he can score goals, and I’ll be interested to see how he gets on this season.”
The former Sunderland defender believes the key for Hume now is maintaining the standards which have helped him establish himself at the highest level.
“The key question is whether he can maintain the standards he has set over recent years – but I’m sure he can.”
Bardsley also compared Hume’s versatility to a former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland favourite.
“He reminds me a little of John O’Shea in the sense that you could put him almost anywhere on the pitch and he would not look out of place,” he said.
“That versatility is not easy to have, so credit to him.”
However, Bardsley believes the holding role on the right side of midfield could ultimately prove to be Hume’s ideal position.
“That holding role in the right-hand channel looks like a really good position for him.”
Who should start at right-back?
Sunderland have plenty of options at right-back heading into the new campaign, with Hume joined by Nordi Mukiele and experienced new signing Thomas Meunier.
So, who would Bardsley select?
“I’d probably go with Mukiele, mainly because of what he did last season,” he said.
Meunier’s experience could prove valuable, but Bardsley sees Hume operating further forward, meaning the battle for the right-back berth could come down to Mukiele and Meunier.
“Meunier brings great experience, while I can see Trai Hume playing a little further forward. So, realistically, it may come down to Mukiele or Meunier for the right-back role.”
Despite the competition, Bardsley believes there is a strong argument for sticking with the players who performed so well last season.
“Based on last season, I do not think there should be too much change straight away,” he said.
“It is only right to give the lads who performed so well another opportunity to keep doing what they were doing.”
However, Meunier’s arrival could have an important positive impact regardless of who ultimately wins the starting berth.
“As footballers, we thrive on competition,” Bardsley explained.
“When someone comes in to take your place, your levels normally rise. It will be interesting to see how that plays out.”
Sunderland still looking to strengthen
Bardsley believes Sunderland now possess strong depth on the right-hand side, but would like to see similar competition developed at left-back.
“Sunderland have strong competition in that position, and it would be good to see similar depth on the left-hand side too.”
The former defender remains confident that further additions could arrive before the transfer window closes.
“It is still early in the window, and I’m sure the club are looking to strengthen where needed.”
And, after watching Sunderland’s recruitment transform the squad ahead of last season’s promotion campaign, Bardsley has little reason to doubt the club’s approach.
“The recruitment last season was second to none, so you cannot fault them on that front.”
His only wish is that any new additions can be brought into the squad quickly enough to make an impact before the demands of Premier League and European football really begin to bite.
“You would just like to see any new players integrated into the squad before the season starts.”
Listen to the full interview
Bardsley’s comments were taken from the same exclusive interview featured on Haway The Podcast last week.
If you missed it, the full audio interview is available to listen to now, alongside the rest of the episode’s Sunderland discussion.
Listen to Haway The Podcast on Spotify
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