Ollie Norwood was one of the stars of the show again yesterday as Sheffield United saw off Swansea City at Bramall Lane.
The Blades had to find their way past a tricky Swans side in the end. But as has so often been the case this season at Bramall Lane, United made it look easy in the end.
Goals from Sander Berge, Jack Robinson, and a late tap in from Oli McBurnie ensured another big three points.
Once again, key to the performance overall was the midfield. Norwood controlled things in the middle while Berge and McAtee caused problems driving forward.
Norwood praised for Sheffield United
The promotion specialist midfielder is on course to win a fourth from this division. Norwood has been outstanding ever since signing for United.
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And speaking to SUTV after yesterday’s win over Swansea, former Blade Carl Asaba feels that Norwood is the finished article when it comes to Championship footballers.
“He’s just the finished article in this division. I feel it’s doing him a discredit talking about this but he is the finished article as a footballer. He’s just wonderful. And with that head as well as someone who’s been here, he’s going to help the other lads get over the finishing line,” Asaba said.
Sheffield United News View: Ollie Norwood one of the Blades’ all-time greats
That’s a bold statement to make but it’s easy to underestimate just how important Norwood is to this team. He was critical in Chris Wilder’s system and is now even more important to Paul Heckingbottom.
Norwood’s ability to quickly switch play is essential for how the Blades operate. But beyond that, the accuracy at which he plays those passes, coupled with his tenacious style in the middle, make him irreplaceable.
It’s taken time with some supporters with Norwood. But if ever there was a season showing just how good he is, it’s this one.
Norwood will go into the history books as one of the best to ever don the red and white. And when he does eventually move on, the reception he gets if he ever returns will be huge.