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Vous or Tu? It speaks volumes about Habib Diarra that his joy at being elevated from the youth ranks at Strasbourg to the senior squad was mixed with 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 opted for caution and chose the more polite “vous”. This prompted widespread amusement from the veterans who told him not to be so ridiculous; he was part of the group now.

“After I had 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.’ The Premier League was always a ambition of mine and the coach presented me with a well-defined and appealing project.”

Almost five years later, Diarra is settled in an office at Sunderland’s Academy of Light explaining why he ignored overtures from, among others, Milan, Atlético Madrid, Eintracht Frankfurt, Aston Villa and Leeds. 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 tender age of twenty 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 league campaign healed, Diarra is on a quest to demonstrate precisely why he agreed to become Sunderland’s record £30m signing last summer. Pundits in France and Senegal queried Diarra’s surprising decision but he knew all about Régis Le Bris’s reputation 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. “Playing against 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, European qualification is certainly a achievable goal this season.”

A Family Atmosphere

Externally, the chilly February wind and driving rain makes Wearside look as grim as it is often stereotyped. Internally, things are considerably warmer. The environment is free of the type of tension notable at certain clubs where office workers are deliberately segregated from first-team players. Diarra describes the environment as “very organic” and praises 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.”

Freedom Within a Framework

If the structure, rigor and immense effort underpinning Sunderland’s defensive organization are a proof of the head coach’s attention to minutiae, Le Bris also likes his players to think for themselves. He offers his engine room players complete licence to improvise and swap roles.

“Our manager establishes his tactics out within a framework but we have license to play within it,” says Diarra, who favors playing as a all-action No 8. “During matches that is empowering. That autonomy is so important. Our captain, Granit, guides us a lot. He’s a massive influence and a superb role model.”

Path and Settlement

Diarra is speaking through a French interpreter but his English has advanced 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 tongue. He is proficient in Wolof, the language he spoke in his youth in his hometown near the Senegalese capital.

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

Diarra is now looking forward to 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 makes me proud to play for them.”

Comparable feelings apply to Sunderland. “I've settled very well,” he says. “I am really comfortable here.”