GOOD NEWS: Sunderland brutally elbows League rivals for the signature of Top rated defender Amid Player be unveil officially in January window.
Sunderland’s late acquisition of AFC Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham has added valuable quality to their defense, which has only been breached once this season. Mepham’s experience in both the Championship and Premier League strengthens the Black Cats’ backline as they sit atop the league heading into the international break.
While Sheffield United may be disappointed after missing out on one of their top transfer targets, Sunderland now have a player who can boost their ambitions of returning to the Premier League.
Sunderland’s Defensive Success Under Regis Le Bris
Since arriving in the summer, manager Regis Le Bris has organized Sunderland into a well-drilled unit that breaks down Championship opponents with ease while maintaining a strong defensive record. Only local rivals Middlesbrough come close to Sunderland’s defensive stats, with the Wearsiders allowing just 0.90 xG per match in their first four fixtures.
The Black Cats have faced just 10 shots on target in those four games, showcasing how effectively they are keeping opponents at bay. The central defense has been expertly managed, with Alan Browne stepping into a deeper role to help organize the backline.
Chris Mepham Adds Experience to a Young Sunderland Side
Mepham, with over 150 league appearances and international experience, brings a wealth of knowledge to Sunderland. Having been part of Bournemouth’s promotion-winning side in the 2021/22 season, the 26-year-old offers quality both in possession and defensively. His ability to help Sunderland build attacks from the back while maintaining a solid defense will be a key asset.
After falling out of favor at Bournemouth, the move to Sunderland provides Mepham with the chance to play regular football again, with potential personal benefits, including catching the eye of Wales’ new manager, Craig Bellamy, for national team selection. Sunderland is also likely to benefit from his experience.
The Black Cats regularly field one of the youngest lineups in the Championship, with their starting XI for the recent 1-0 win over Burnley averaging just 22.7 years of age. Luke O’Nien, 29, and Aji Alese, 23, have been regulars in defense, with Alese seeing more game time recently after a cautious start at Sunderland. While they’ve both performed well, having Mepham available will only raise the level of competition within the squad, and he’ll be ready to step in when needed.
Overall, Sunderland’s decision to beat Sheffield United to Mepham’s signature looks set to pay off, as the club eyes a promotion push with promising signs ahead for the rest of the season.