🔗 Share this article 'We are a family unit here': Sunderland's midfielder celebrates positive vibes at Sunderland. Formal or informal? It speaks volumes about Habib Diarra that his elation at being elevated from Strasbourg’s Under-17s to the first team was mixed with worry over the two French words for “you.” Was it appropriate to address new, senior teammates by using “tu” be seen as disrespectful? Ultimately, the promising talent played safe and chose the more polite “vous”. This prompted widespread amusement from the veterans who told him not to be so ridiculous; he was one of them now. “Once I received the first call with the coach, I sat down and said to my parents: ‘Sunderland’s where I want to be; that’s where I want to play.’ England's top flight was always a dream of mine and the coach outlined for me a clear and interesting project.” Roughly half a decade later, Diarra is settled in an office at the club's training ground detailing why he ignored overtures from, among others, several top European clubs. His natural politeness remains but it is apparent that the 22-year-old Senegal international and uncertainty are virtual strangers. Diarra conducts himself with the self-assurance suited to a player who captained Strasbourg at the age of 20 and, only last month, returned from Morocco clutching an AFCON championship trophy. A Defined Vision Now that the groin issue that kept him out for much of the first half of the league campaign resolved, Diarra is on a mission to show exactly why he agreed to become Sunderland’s most expensive acquisition last summer. Pundits in France and Senegal questioned Diarra’s unfashionable choice but he knew all about the manager's standing as a gifted youth coach. “It came as no shock by the coach’s capabilities because I already knew what he’s able to achieve,” says Diarra. “Facing his teams I realised he was very good, very strong tactically. He’s someone I know is aiding my development. And although our first objective is reaching 40 points, European qualification is certainly a realistic target this season.” A Unified Environment Externally, the cold winter gusts and heavy downpour makes the region look as grim as it is often depicted. Internally, things are much more welcoming. The atmosphere is free of the type of strain found in certain clubs where administrative staff are deliberately segregated from Premier League squads. Diarra portrays the environment as “really natural” and praises Le Bris’s role in its creation. “The coach always says to us that we have a familial bond here and we all support each other,” he says. “Each of us takes pride of each other.” Freedom Within a Framework If the structure, rigor and immense effort underpinning Sunderland’s defensive organization are a testament to the head coach’s meticulous eye for detail, Le Bris also likes his players to think for themselves. He offers his engine room players full freedom 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. “During matches that feels good. That autonomy is so important. Granit, our skipper, guides us a lot. He’s a really big player and a superb role model.” Journey and Adaptation Diarra is speaking through a French interpreter but his English has progressed to the point where he can grasp most questions. He is now concentrating on acquiring the language skills to also answer them, which would be his third language. He is proficient in Wolof, the language he spoke growing up in Guédiawaye near the Senegalese capital. His precocious maturity helped him combat the disappointment of needing an operation followed by four months on the sidelines last autumn. “Getting hurt so soon after arriving here was disheartening, for sure,” he says. “But it was up to me to handle the situation.” 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 makes me proud to play for them.” Comparable feelings apply to Sunderland. “I’ve adapted very well,” he says. “I feel really comfortable here.”