View: Sunderland have a Rolls-Royce defender in Chris Mepham after 100% showing
Chris Mepham was again outstanding for Sunderland as they secured their first win of the year against Sheffield United at the Stadium of Light.
Eliezer Mayenda was the man in the spotlight for his performance against the Blades but Mepham deserves some serious attention for his role in the win.
Having previously been hailed as “a gift” by Regis Le Bris, his ability was on full show again on New Year’s Day as the Black Cats reduced the gap on Sheffield United to just two points.
Mepham’s performances will prove crucial in their bid to achieve promotion back to the Premier League.
Chris Mepham shines in Sunderland win v Sheffield United
Since signing, Mepham’s ability has shocked supporters with how good he really is and the recent update on his loan status is excellent news for the club.
Bournemouth are understood to not have a recall option in his contract (Sunderland Echo) meaning he will see the remainder of the season out on Wearside and given his performance against the Blades, it’s incredible news.
According to FotMob, Mepham recorded a solid 80 per cent pass accuracy having also created two chances from centre back with the aforementioned Mayenda finding himself through on goal as a result of one pass from the Welshman.
Mepham completed 100 per cent of his dribbles in the game but it was his defensive attributes that shone in the encounter.
He made a remarkable 10 clearances, six of which were headed away as Sheffield United tried to flood the penalty area.
The Black Cats defender won 100 per cent of his five aerial duels while winning two of three he was involved with on the ground.
Perhaps even more impressively, Mephamw hasn’t dribbled past once in the game with the Blades struggling to create anything of note.
If Sunderland can keep him fit, they have one of the best defenders in the Championship and that can only be a boost in their search for promotion.
In other Sunderland news, Luke O’Nien fired a dig at his own performance against Sheffield United.
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