Sunderland player ratings for international break as Jobe Bellingham stars, but 9/10 ace shines as true gem

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Several Sunderland stars enjoyed an impressive time away on international duty ahead of their Championship return against Millwall.

Regis Le Bris welcomed back his Sunderland squad this week after the international break, although one member of his Black Cats squad didn’t return unscathed.

Sunderland full-back Trai Hume was withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad earlier in the week with a hip injury, but thankfully Hume’s issue is not as bad as first feared and the defender is in contention to feature against the Lions this weekend.

Here, Sunderland AFC News provides a rundown of the Sunderland players involved for their national teams and how they performed during the break.

• READ MORE: Early Sunderland predicted starting XI for upcoming clash against Millwall

Chris Mepham (Wales) – 7.5

On-loan central-defender Chris Mepham impressed for Wales, as Craig Bellamy’s side secured an imperative late point against North Macedonia, featuring for the full 90 minutes in a performance by Mepham described as ‘really good’ by Welsh media outlets.

Mepham was crucial for Wales, making six clearances, winning 7 out of 9 aerial duels and boasting an impressive 95% passing accuracy.

Trai Hume (Northern Ireland) – 8

Full-back Hume featured in Northern Ireland’s 1-1 friendly draw against Switzerland, earning his 20th senior cap for Michael O’Neill’s side.

‘Captain material’ Hume was praised by Sunderland and Northern Ireland fans, after putting in a typically robust performance by effecting the game well in both directions. 

Sunderland have yet to diagnose the extent of his injury concerns as it is uncertain whether the crucial tough-tackling defender will be available for selection this Saturday.

Eliezer Mayenda (Spain Under-21s) – 6

Eliezer Mayenda’s breakthrough campaign for Sunderland was recognised on the international stage after the 19-year-old earned his first call-up for La Rojita. Mayenda featured as a second-half substitute in the 2-2 draw against Czech Republic, and another late cameo in their subsequent 3-1 defeat to Germany.

Young Sunderland forward Mayenda has put his successes down to hard work and with 12 goal contributions so far, the forward will be hoping to be rewarded further down the line by Spain Under-21s boss Luis Milla. 

Jobe Bellingham (England Under-21s) – 8.5

Sunderland ace Jobe Bellingham is on the radar of Manchester United as his stock continues to rise, earning another two caps for Lee Carsley’s Young Lions. 

Jobe started the tie against Portugal on Monday and made his mark with an assist for Arsenal ace Ethan Nwaneri in their 4-2 victory.

The dynamic midfielder was a man-of-the-match contender, with a 96% pass accuracy and an 82% duel win rate highlighting his all-round game Sunderland supporters have witnessed all season long on the international stage.

Chris Rigg (England Under-19s) – 9/10

Chris Rigg’s stardusted Sunderland season continued to flourish as the 17-year-old scored the match-winning goal for Will Antwi’s side.

Rigg dispatched a low cross from Mikey Moore in the opening ten minutes, which was enough to defeat Portugal 1-0, with Rigg continuing to court transfer attention from Premier League giants with match-winning performances on the international stage.

Rigg’s debut for the England Under-19s side is the latest milestone hit by the young midfielder and his form could be the difference-maker for Sunderland’s promotion push.

Milan Aleksic (Serbia Under-21s) – 6

Milan Aleksic has made only four Championship appearances since his Sunderland arrival, but the attacking midfielder earned valuable minutes for his national side.

Aleksic played 70 minutes for Aleksander Kolarov’s side in their 2-0 win over Bosnia, and was substituted on for the second half as his side ended their stint with a 3-1 defeat against Georgia. 

Matty Young (England Under-20s) – 7.5

Sunderland’s young shot-stopper – currently on loan at League Two Salford – Matty Young, added another milestone to his stellar first full season in senior football during the break. 

Young made his England Under-20s debut in his team’s 1-1 draw against Portugal in the Under-20 Elite League tie as the 18-year-old goalkeeper – compared to former Sunderland star Jordan Pickford – continues to develop at an exceptional rate.

Overall, it was an impressive showing for the featured Sunderland stars as attention on Wearside turns swiftly to the Black Cats’ upcoming reunion with former boss Alex Neil on Saturday, in which Sunderland must return to winning ways comfortably to secure their play-off fate.