Regis Le Bris has identified one key Sunderland player after the win against Hull City.
Sunderland got back to winning ways as they beat Hull City 1-0 on their travels in somewhat controversial terms.
Wilson Isidor bagged the only goal for Regis Le Bris’ side and it was an exceptionally well-taken finish that was preceded by a brilliant darting run from deep inside his own half.
The Black Cats had several players perform in order to see off the Tigers, including team captain Dan Neil, who was praised after he was able to answer his critics following a previous sticky run in the Championship.
Another Sunderland player who managed to put in a brilliant showing was centre-back Chris Mepham, who left Black Cats fans regarding him as one of the club’s biggest talents, and there are no surprises to say that Le Bris has shown his admiration for the defender following the win.
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Regis Le Bris praises Chris Mepham after Sunderland victory vs Hull City
Sunderland managed to keep their sixth clean sheet of the 2024/25 Championship campaign, and much of that can come down to the incredible showing put on by Mepham at the MKM Stadium.
He is the perfect player to have at the back in the Championship as a result of his commanding presence, as well as his composure on the ball, and Le Bris has certainly noticed this as well.
Per the Sunderland Echo, Le Bris said: “It’s certainly not difficult to manage this type of player [like Mepham].
“He plays for the team, he has very good experience and is very important in the dressing room and on the pitch, individually and with the others.
“It is like a gift for a coach and a team like us. His maturity is very helpful for us.”
Chris Mepham will be a perfect mentor for Dan Ballard at Sunderland
As Le Bris indicates, Mepham does certainly have everything that you want in a defender at this level, and there is no doubt that this will have a crucial impact on the rest of the side.
Notably, Sunderland centre-back Dan Ballard will certainly benefit as a result of having Mepham in-and-around the side and the young defender will certainly benefit from taking a few pointers from the former Bournemouth star.
There is no doubt that Ballard has a high ceiling, and has already indicated that he is a brilliant talent at the back, but his limits will without a doubt be smashed if he is able to replicate the brilliance of Mepham.
Sunderland’s recruitment has previously seen players brought in as mentors, including Simon Moore this summer for Anthony Patterson. It would be massively beneficial for Le Bris to make sure the same happens to aid the development of Ballard.