Italian scout picks out Sunderland star after impressive international break
The Sunderland defender has impressed for his country in recent days
Sunderland defender Trai Hume has been hailed by famed Italian scout Marco Palma following his recent performances for Northern Ireland in the UEFA Nations League.
The Black Cats full-back has established himself as an integral figure for his country of late, and was even rewarded with a stint wearing the captain’s armband during last month’s international break. Hume has continued to impress too, and was rewarded the Player of the Match award during a 0-0 stalemate with Belarus on Saturday.
Following that performance, Northern Ireland’s official social media account praised the 22-year-old for “yet another solid display”, and he then helped his side to a clean sheet as they swept Bulgaria aside in emphatic fashion on Tuesday evening, putting five past their opponents without reply.
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Hume’s performances have evidently caught the eye, with Palma naming him in a best XI of young players who have participated in the Nations League over the past week. In a piece for Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, the renowned scout praised the Sunderland favourite for his character and his positional awareness.
Increasingly in recent months, Hume has shown himself to be a key presence for Northern Ireland. Operating on the right side of a back three, rather than his usual berth at right-back, he is part of a defence who have conceded just one goal across their last five outings.
Speaking earlier in the year about the prospect of captaining his country, Hume said: “I wouldn’t mind because growing up I captained younger age groups so maybe I have that in me. I want to help younger players that are coming through and lead them. It’s going to be different. When I first came in there was Steven Davis, Jonny [Evans], and Craig Cathcart, a lot of experience, so it is going to be a big change."
His international boss, Michael O’Neill, added: "Not many players come out of the Irish League and step into English football and play with that level of consistency. He may not be the captain at Sunderland but he is a leader. I’ve no hesitation in saying he will do a good job."