West Brom ace is Ryan Mason’s signing of summer after 105-touch display vs Middlesbrough

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West Brom were beaten by Boro, but despite conceding two goals, one Baggies defender was in impressive form.

Middlesbrough beat West Brom 2-1 on Friday evening at the Riverside to make it two defeats on the spin for the Baggies.

Ryan Mason oversaw West Brom’s winless run at Middlesbrough continue, as goals from David Strelec and Kaly Sene came either side of the interval for the hosts.

Mason should have started Mikey Johnston, given that the substitute provided an excellent assist for Aune Heggebo’s header, which was not enough to inspire a comeback draw.

Despite conceding twice against table-toppers Middlesbrough, one West Brom defender covered himself in glory at the Riverside, and has already proven to be a monumental coup for the Baggies.

• READ MORE: Middlesbrough ace continues to defy critics after unreal display vs West Brom, he’s key for Rob Edwards

Chris Mepham was outstanding for West Brom vs Middlesbrough

West Brom signed Chris Mepham from Premier League side Bournemouth in a deal worth up to £1.5m for the Welsh international defender.

Last season, Mepham was one of the best central defenders in the Championship, with the centre-back playing a pivotal role in Sunderland’s promotion to the top flight during his season-long loan from the Cherries.

Unsurprisingly, the Rolls-Royce defender has carried over his Black Cats form from their promotion-winning campaign into his permanent switch to the Hawthorns.

West Brom kept a clean sheet on Mepham’s Baggies debut in the 1-0 win over Stoke City before the international break, and that was no coincidence.

On Friday evening, Mepham shone in the West Brom backline, earning plaudits from Baggies supporters on social media despite the defeat.

Against Middlesbrough, Mepham completed the most passes (82) of any player in the match, highlighting his ample ability with the ball at his feet.

Defensively, Mepham made seven clearances, made three interceptions and was dribbled past by the dangerous Boro attackers only once throughout the affair.

Mepham could do little to prevent the two Middlesbrough goals, and failed to put a foot wrong despite his side falling to successive defeats.

Before the Middlesbrough defeat, Mepham issued an adamant verdict on West Brom’s promotion prospects as he searches for his successive second tier success.

• READ MORE: Rob Edwards explains shock David Strelec substitution at half-time in Middlesbrough vs West Brom

Chris Mepham believes West Brom can win promotion under Ryan Mason

Mepham is no stranger to promotion, and he believes he can clinch a top flight return at his new permanent club.

Before the Boro clash, Mepham told BBC Sport: “I think that’s a big reason why I came here (to achieve promotion).

“I’ve been quite fortunate twice to be promoted in my career and that feeling of winning games and playing for something is what I care about as a footballer.

“There’s no reason why we can’t go and get promoted this year.

“If I could do it three times, that will be impressive, and I’m confident we will be up there.”

West Brom will need to become more potent in attack to keep up with the early play-off pace-setters, but with Mepham at the back alongside fellow summer arrival Nat Phillips, Mason has one of the Championship’s best centre-back duos to call upon.