Former Newcastle United player Kevin Mbabu was in action for Switzerland against Wales yesterday.
The Wolfsburg defender was selected to start by manager Vladimir Petkovic in Baku.
The game finished 1-1, with Kieffer Moore cancelling out Breel Embolo’s header.
Mbabu was deployed at right wing-back, and the 26-year-old caught the eye for his attack-minded style, as did the opposite wing-back Ricardo Rodriguez.
Mbabu was a constant outlet for Switzerland, and it was certainly a busy display.
He contested 18 duels according to Sofascore – the most of any player in the game.
He did pick up a yellow card, but it was a good showing from the player, who departed Newcastle back in 2017 after failing to make an impression.
Mbabu gave an interview with The Athletic and suggested the tipping point for his exit came when Rafa Benitez overlooked him in favour of playing Moussa Sissoko at right-back, in a game against Crystal Palace.
That, and the signing of DeAndre Yedlin.
On social media, fans praised Mbabu’s opening display against Wales:
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