🔗 Share this article 'We are a family unit here': Sunderland's midfielder celebrates positive vibes at the Black Cats. Vous or Tu? It speaks volumes about the young Senegalese star that his joy at being elevated from the youth ranks at Strasbourg to the first team was mixed with worry over the two French words for “you.” Would addressing new, older teammates by using “tu” be regarded as too familiar? Ultimately, the young midfielder opted for caution and selected the more polite “vous”. Cue widespread amusement from the veterans who instructed him not to be so silly; he was part of the group 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.’ England's top flight was always a ambition of mine and the coach presented me with a well-defined and appealing project.” Almost five years later, Diarra is sitting in an office at the club's training ground detailing why he turned down offers from, among others, several top European clubs. His innate courtesy endures but it is apparent that the 22-year-old Senegal international and doubt are practically unacquainted. Diarra conducts himself with the confidence suited to a player who captained Strasbourg at the age of 20 and, only last month, returned from Morocco holding an AFCON winners’ medal. A Defined Vision Now that the groin issue that kept him out for much of the opening months of the domestic season healed, Diarra is on a mission to demonstrate precisely why he agreed to become Sunderland’s record £30m signing last summer. Pundits in France and Senegal questioned Diarra’s surprising decision but he knew all about the manager's reputation as a gifted youth coach. “It came as no shock by the coach’s ability because I already knew what he’s capable of,” says Diarra. “Facing his teams I understood 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, a place in Europe is certainly a achievable goal this season.” A Unified Environment Externally, the cold winter gusts and heavy downpour makes the region look as bleak as it is often stereotyped. Internally, things are considerably warmer. The atmosphere is devoid of the type of tension notable at certain clubs where administrative staff are deliberately segregated from first-team players. Diarra describes the environment as “really natural” and commends Le Bris’s role in its formation. “The coach always says to us that we’re like a family here and we all support each other,” he says. “We’re all proud of each other.” Freedom Within a Framework If the structure, rigor and immense effort supporting Sunderland’s out-of-possession shape are a testament to the head coach’s meticulous eye for detail, Le Bris also likes his players to use their initiative. He offers his engine room players complete licence to be creative and swap roles. “Our manager establishes his tactics out within a framework but we have license to play within it,” says Diarra, who prefers to be deployed as a all-action No 8. “Out on the pitch that is empowering. That autonomy is so important. Our captain, Granit, helps 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 understand most questions. He is now concentrating on acquiring the language skills to also answer them, which would be his third language. He is fluent in Wolof, the language he spoke in his youth in his hometown near the Senegalese capital. His early maturity helped him combat the frustration of needing groin surgery followed by four months out of action last autumn. “Being injured so soon after arriving here was frustrating, for sure,” he says. “But it was up to me to manage myself.” Diarra is now anticipating playing in this summer’s global tournament. Given Senegal have been drawn in the same group as France, a poignant reunion 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 am really comfortable here.”