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Formal or informal? It reveals much about Habib Diarra that his elation at being elevated from Strasbourg’s Under-17s to the first team was accompanied by worry over the two French words for “you.”

Would addressing new, established teammates by using “tu” be seen as disrespectful? Ultimately, the promising talent played safe and chose the more formal “vous”. This prompted wholesale laughter from the older players who instructed him not to be so silly; 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 ambition of mine and the coach presented me with a clear and interesting project.”

Almost five years later, Diarra is settled in an office at Sunderland’s Academy of Light detailing why he turned down offers from, among others, several top European clubs. His innate courtesy endures but it is clear that the young Senegal international and uncertainty are virtual strangers. Diarra carries himself with the self-assurance suited to a player who led Strasbourg at the age of 20 and, only last month, returned from Morocco clutching an Africa Cup of Nations winners’ medal.

A Defined Vision

Now that the groin issue that sidelined him for much of the first half of the domestic season healed, Diarra is on a mission to demonstrate precisely why he agreed to become Sunderland’s most expensive acquisition last summer. Analysts in France and Senegal questioned Diarra’s surprising decision but he knew all about the manager'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, a place in Europe is certainly a realistic target this season.”

A Unified Environment

Externally, the chilly February wind and driving rain makes the region look as bleak as it is often depicted. Inside, things are much more welcoming. The environment is devoid of the type of tension notable at certain clubs where administrative staff are kept apart from first-team players. Diarra portrays the environment as “very organic” and commends Le Bris’s role in its formation.

“Our manager repeatedly states to us that we’re like a family here and we all support each other,” he says. “We’re all proud of each other.”

Liberty and Structure

If the organisation, discipline and sheer hard yards supporting 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 use their initiative. He offers his midfielders full freedom to improvise and interchange positions.

“The coach sets his tactics out within a structure but we have license to play within it,” says Diarra, who prefers to be deployed as a box-to-box No 8. “During matches that feels good. That autonomy is so important. Our captain, Granit, helps us a lot. He’s a really big player and a superb role model.”

Path and Settlement

Diarra is using a French interpreter but his English has progressed to the point where he can understand most questions. He is now focusing on acquiring the language skills to also answer them, which would be his third language. He is proficient in Wolof, the language he spoke in his youth in his hometown near Dakar.

His early maturity helped him deal with the disappointment of needing groin surgery followed by four months out of action last autumn. “Getting hurt so soon after arriving here was frustrating, for sure,” he says. “But it was up to me to handle the situation.”

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 enjoyed representing for France but my inner feeling prevailed,” 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 settled very well,” he says. “I feel really comfortable here.”