The World Cup break has come at a good time for Sheffield United but it’s safe to say the opening half of the season has seen some impressive performances.
The Blades head into the break in second. Four wins from the last five games have seen Paul Heckingbottom’s side rocket back into promotion contention. Indeed, but for a dour display against Rotherham, things might have been even better.
But, United fans won’t be complaining. A dire injury list has threatened to derail United’s push for promotion. The fact the team are just behind Burnley in second is quite the achievement in all honesty.
And it seems those compiling the stats are impressed with the Blades as well. According to WhoScored.com, the best Sheffield United player can come from one of five who dominate the top ten in the Championship.
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Sitting at the top of the pile is a certain Ollie Norwood. The midfielder has oozed class all season, putting to bed any doubts that he might be past his best.
Remarkably, United have four of the top six performers in the Championship on this list. Oli McBurnie sits in fourth, backed up closely by Anel Ahmedhodzic and Iliman Ndiaye in fifth and sixth. Further down the list is Sander Berge in ninth. However, given the Norwegian has missed games, he might have been even higher.
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There is no doubt the return of key players after the World Cup is going to be massive for United. Of those injured, most are considered players who get in the first XI.
The aforementioned Berge is an obvious one. But then players like Bogle, Lowe, Norrington-Davies, and Doyle are all likely to be in Paul Heckingbottom’s first XI thoughts.
Those players in Whoscored’s top ten deserve so much credit. The key now will be those injured players coming back and adding to the squad. If they can do that, and in turn allow some of those star men a rest here and there, then United are well-placed for a promotion run.
Certainly, it will be interesting to revisit this list come the end of the season and see who is the best Sheffield United player in their eyes.
