🔗 Share this article 'We are a family unit here': Habib Diarra revels in positive vibes at Sunderland. Formal or informal? It reveals much about the young Senegalese star that his elation at being promoted from the youth ranks at Strasbourg to the first team was tempered by worry over the two distinct words for “you.” Was it appropriate to address new, established teammates by using “tu” be regarded as disrespectful? Ultimately, the young midfielder played safe and chose the more polite “vous”. This prompted wholesale laughter from the older players who told him not to be so ridiculous; he was one of them now. “After I had the first call with the coach, I reflected and said to my parents: ‘Sunderland’s where I want to be; that’s where I want to play.’ The Premier League was always a goal of mine and the coach outlined for me a clear and interesting project.” Almost five years later, Diarra is settled in an office at Sunderland’s Academy of Light detailing why he ignored overtures from, among others, Milan, Atlético Madrid, Eintracht Frankfurt, Aston Villa and Leeds. His innate courtesy endures but it is clear that the 22-year-old Senegal international and uncertainty are practically unacquainted. Diarra carries himself with the confidence suited to a player who captained Strasbourg at the age of 20 and, only last month, returned from Morocco clutching an AFCON winners’ medal. A Defined Vision Now that the groin issue that kept him out for much of the first half of the domestic season resolved, Diarra is on a quest to demonstrate precisely why he agreed to become Sunderland’s most expensive acquisition last summer. Analysts in France and Senegal questioned Diarra’s unfashionable choice but he knew all about Régis Le Bris’s standing as a talented youth coach. “It came as no shock by the coach’s ability because I already knew what he’s able to achieve,” says Diarra. “Playing against his teams I understood he was very good, very strong tactically. He’s someone I know is helping my game progress. And although our first objective is reaching 40 points, European qualification is certainly a achievable goal this season.” A Unified Environment Externally, the chilly February wind and heavy downpour makes the region look as grim as it is often depicted. Internally, things are considerably warmer. The atmosphere is free of the type of strain notable at certain clubs where administrative staff are kept apart from first-team players. Diarra describes the environment as “very organic” and commends Le Bris’s role in its creation. “Our manager repeatedly states to us that we have a familial bond here and we all fight for each other,” he says. “We’re all proud of each other.” Liberty and Structure If the structure, rigor and immense effort underpinning Sunderland’s out-of-possession shape are a proof of the head coach’s meticulous eye for detail, Le Bris also likes his players to think for themselves. He offers his engine room players complete licence to improvise and interchange positions. “Our manager establishes his tactics out within a structure but we have freedom to play within it,” says Diarra, who favors playing as a all-action No 8. “Out on the pitch that feels good. That freedom is so important. Our captain, Granit, helps us a lot. He’s a really big player and a fantastic example.” Journey and Adaptation Diarra is using a French interpreter but his English has advanced to the point where he can understand most questions. He is now concentrating on acquiring the vocabulary to also answer them, which would be his third language. He is fluent in Wolof, the language he spoke in his youth in Guédiawaye near Dakar. His precocious maturity helped him combat the disappointment of needing groin surgery followed by four months out of action last autumn. “Getting hurt so soon after arriving here was disheartening, for sure,” he says. “But it was up to me to manage myself.” Diarra is now looking forward to playing in this summer’s World Cup. Given Senegal have been drawn in the same group as France, a emotional matchup awaits the former Les Bleus under-21 midfielder. “I loved playing for France but my heart spoke,” says Diarra. “There’s no regrets. I was born in Senegal; it fills me with pride to play for them.” Similar emotions apply to Sunderland. “I’ve adapted very well,” he says. “I feel really comfortable here.”