Sunderland have several players away on international duty right now. On Tuesday night, one of them put in a very good display.
It’s a credit to Sunderland how many players they have on international duty this month. And it’s a credit to Kristjaan Speakman and his eye for talented young players that the Black Cats have so many players representing their counties at youth level.
Jobe Bellingham has shone for England U21s yet again whilst Chris Rigg has been playing with the U19s, and Eliezer Mayenda with the Spain U21s following his impressive run of form in the Championship.
Elsewhere, Trai Hume has suffered an injury on international duty with Northern Ireland, missing out of the game against Sweden on Tuesday night in what will be a very worrying blow for Regis Le Bris.
But on loan defender Chris Mepham was in action on Tuesday. He started for Wales in their 1-1 draw against Macedonia and put in a commanding display for Craig Bellamy’s side.
Sunderland ace Chris Mepham shines in Macedonia 1-1 Wales
Mepham joined Sunderland on loan from Bournemouth last summer. He arrived on deadline day after an injury to Dan Ballard and he’s since been a revelation for the Black Cats, starring for the side after featuring 30 times in the Championship, scoring once and working his way back into the Welsh national side.
On Tuesday night, Wales drew 1-1 with Macedonia in a World Cup qualifier, with Mepham’s Bournemouth teammate David Brooks rescuing a late point. Though it was Mepham who was among those who stood out with WalesOnline giving out only two players an 8/10 rating: Mepham and Jordan James.
WalesOnline wrote of the 27-year-old Mepham: “Really good on his return to the side. No player won more aerial duels.” Meanwhile, Welsh football outlet clwbpeldroed.org wrote of Mepham’s display: “A strong defensive display from Mepham coming into the side following Saturday’s victory against Kazakhstan.
“He made some key interceptions and tackles to break up potential counter attacks from the hosts,” whilst giving him a 7/10 rating.
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Chris Mepham’s stats for Wales vs Macedonia
As he so often does for Sunderland, Mepham proved dominant for Wales on Tuesday night, making nine defensive actions (third-most of any player), with six clearances and two tackles among those actions.
Mepham also recorded 96 touches of the ball (third-most again), with 79 passes completed and a hugely impressive 96% passing accuracy.
| Statistic | Chris Mepham vs Macedonia |
| Defensive actions | 9 |
| Clearances | 6 |
| Tackles | 2 |
| Touches | 96 |
| Passes completed | 79 |
| Pass accuracy | 96% |
Keeping Mepham fit and firing is going to be key for Sunderland in the final run-in, especially as the injury to Hume could force a reshuffle in defence.
Sunderland return to action at home to Millwall on Saturday.