Sunderland signed Reece James from Wigan Athletic in the summer.
A big part of Sunderland’s success this season in League One has been the strength in depth of their side, with at least two players battling for each position.
One of the strongest areas on the field in Jack Ross’s side is left-back, with Denver Hume, Bryan Oviedo and Reece James all having made a case for a regular spot.
Summer arrival James is the man currently occupying that position and in an interview with the Sunderland Echo, the former Wigan Athletic player said the presence of Costa Rica international Oviedo makes him push to be better every day.
When speaking about his place in the Sunderland first-team, James said: “I found it tough when the season got going. I am obviously up against tough opponents for my position, we have quality in every position and if you want to be a winning team you need that because it pushes everyone. That’s the way it is.
“Bryan is pushing us to be better every day in training, games, he is someone me and Denver can both learn from. He has such ability, experience of World Cups and the top level. That’s the kind of character he is that he is helping us.”
James has cemented his place in the Black Cats starting line-up with consistently good performances and the 25-year-old has arguably been one of the best signings of the 12 additions Ross made to his side over the summer.
The Wearside club have some decisions to make in January as to whether or not they cash-in on James’ teammate Oviedo, especially given both James and youngster Hume look more than capable of holding down the left-back role.
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