21-year-old told he had his ‘worst game in a Sunderland shirt’ in Norwich City defeat
One unlikely Sunderland player has been slammed for his display against Norwich City yesterday.
Sunderland have now picked up only four points from their last six games after enduring their fourth successive defeat to Norwich City this weekend.
The Black Cats looked on course to claim a point on the road, though their performance certainly didn’t deserve to take anything back to Wearside.
The Canaries knew that too and eventually pushed Sunderland’s poor defending, with Josh Sargent netting his eleventh goal of the campaign.
Luis Hemir Semedo was the subject of plenty of criticism after making his first start since the opening day, while Luke O’Nien and Jenson Seelt both came under fire for their role in the goal.
However, one player who has been told he had his ‘worst game’ is Trai Hume.
The 21-year-old has arguably been one of Sunderland’s best players this term and has rarely been criticised, but journalist Michael Graham wasn’t impressed this time.
Writing for Sunderland Nation‘s player ratings, Graham said: “His worst game in a Sunderland shirt? Very possibly – 4.”
Trai Hume is usually very reliable and often shuts down the opposition’s pacey, tricky wingers. But when the defender isn’t at his best, we really suffer – see the defeat to Newcastle United as an example.
The Northern Ireland international definitely put on one of his worst performances to date, while his yellow card also limited his opportunities to make his trademark slide tackles.
What went wrong for Trai Hume vs Norwich?
Hume played the full 90 minutes but only managed one tackle, while he misplaced 16 passes, lost possession 21 times, won zero headers and committed two fouls.
It doesn’t feel like it is all his fault though, as Mike Dodds has decided to push him far forward and almost play him as a wing-back – but with very little cover.
Hume seems exhausted running up and down the right flank, while having to track back and defend at the same time.
This is a product of Dodds deciding to play Callum Styles on the wing, which is a crazy idea in the first place. Abdoullah Ba has been very inconsistent this season, but I would much rather see him play out wide and not rely on a midfielder and a defender to create the chances.
Hopefully Dodds changes things around against Leicester, but it already feels like we are playing for nothing at this point.
