Chris Mepham hailed by Welsh media as West Brom star turns in ‘crucial’ display vs Kazakhstan
Chris Mepham has picked up where he left off in his West Brom debut during the international break.
The former Bournemouth man joined the Baggies in the latter stages of the summer transfer window and has already proven his worth to his new employers.
Mepham and Nat Phillips were excellent for West Brom in their recent victory over Stoke City, as the duo looked both composed and commanding at the heart of the backline.
Ryan Mason will be delighted with what he’s seen from the 27-year-old so far, and he has now shown plenty more positive signs to his new boss while in action for Wales.
Chris Mepham ‘crucial’ in Wales clean sheet
Mepham has already highlighted his importance to West Brom, and he plays a similarly invaluable role in his national team as well.
The defender earned his 50th senior cap for his country in their World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan on Thursday, and he turned in a typically solid display to help his side to a vital 1-0 win.
Kieffer Moore netted the only goal of the game to keep Wales at the top of Group J of European qualifying, but the backline had to make some important interventions in the second half to fend off pressure from their hosts.
- No player completed more passes or had more touches than Mepham in Wales’ win
- Mepham made four clearances in the clash with Kazakhstan
- He also won 50% of his total duels
Mepham was at the heart of those efforts, and his impressive performance has rightly been recognised by the Welsh media.
The centre-back was handed a 7/10 rating by reputable volunteer-run website Y Clwb Pel-Droed, who added that the West Brom star “made several crucial blocks and tackles to deny the hosts.”
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Chris Mepham is the bargain of the summer for West Brom
Mepham has only cost West Brom a total fee of around £1.5million, and that is already proving to be exceptional business by the Baggies.
His new centre-back partner Phillips looked like an impressive signing, but the deal to bring Mepham in is on another level.
He was promoted from the Championship with Sunderland last term, and possesses both the pace and steel required to be a superb defender in the second tier.
The Welshman could arguably have been playing Premier League football this season, so for Albion to get him for such an insignificant outlay is nothing short of a steal.
Torbjorn Heggem’s departure was likely to hit them hard, but he will soon be forgotten if Mepham continues his current form.
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