JUST IN: Trai Hume explains Sunderland change under Michael Beale after watching Aston Villa and Liverpool players

Trai Hume acknowledges that after switching back to right-back, he feels more at ease because head coach Michael Beale is giving him different instructions than former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray.

When Beale initially arrived at the Stadium of Light, Hume was forced to fill the left-back position due to injuries, but Leo Hjelde’s arrival has given the Black Cats’ defense more stability. As a result, Hume has been allowed to go forward in his first three starts for Sunderland as right back.

“It’s just more comfortable playing on the right side,” Hume told the Echo. “Even playing at left-back my left foot is probably not the best, but I try my best, work hard as always. Being on the right side is just more comfortable I would say.”

When Sunderland had the ball, Hume was frequently instructed by Mowbray to drift infield and receive it in the center of the field. Beale, on the other hand, has stated that he wants his full-backs to get crosses into the box and run down the sides. Hume, on the other hand, is attempting to get better by observing players like Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool, Matty Cash of Aston Villa, and Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal.

Hume responded, “He wants me to play as more of a traditional full-back, getting up and down the line, linking up with my wide player rather than rolling inside,” when questioned about Beale’s instructions. I always strive to do my job as well as I can and follow instructions. I hope everything is going well for me, and all we need to do is keep striving to win games.

“The gaffer and I have private meetings and clips. We practice it on the training pitch and show film of other full-backs passing and crossing. It’s evident that he wants to give the attackers and wide players more opportunities to enter the box. I’m hoping it works out.

“We’ve observed Trent, Matty Cash, and Zinchenko on the opposing side in terms of defense. Since I’m now playing right back, it’s obvious that my main focus is on learning from and improving by observing the best players.”