Danny Webber says four Sheffield United players have particularly impressed him this season.
Like for so many people, the Blades are exceeding Webber’s expectations following their promotion to the Premier League.
They return to action on Wednesday after a three-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. If they win that game against Aston Villa – which they have in hand over most teams around them – they will rise to fifth in the table ahead of the first full round of fixtures back.
Not bad for a team who are playing their first top flight campaign in 12 years and less than four years ago were bottom of League One.
Webber was part of the United squad last time they were in the Premier League in 2006/07. That season was far more of a struggle and they were eventually relegated on the final day.
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There are no such concerns this time around. Instead, the talk is about whether Chris Wilder’s side can achieve European qualification.
The players that have impressed Danny Webber the most
(Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
It is testament to the team spirit that Wilder has developed both on and off the pitch that there are many standout candidates this term.
A back line usually consisting of Chris Basham, John Egan and Jack O’Connell – along with goalkeeper Dean Henderson – has the second best defensive record in the division behind Liverpool.
Yet while Webber acknowledges it’s difficult to pick out any one player, a few have caught his eye.
“Enda Stevens has done really well in left-back, John Fleck in the middle of the park and Ollie Norwood as well,” the former striker told the Radio Times. “I’m glad to see Norwood getting in and doing so well.
“Around the team though everybody’s played their part. Even the strikers, as much as they’ve not scored a lot of goals, they’ve all played their part.
“The unsung hero probably – Didzy they call him, I think – (David) McGoldrick. He’s not scored a lot of goals but he’s played a big part in the way the team has functioned.”
Clearly Wilder and the club agree with Webber’s assessment as all four mentioned have recently signed new contracts. Stevens, Fleck and Norwood have all committed until 2023, while McGoldrick penned a deal until 2022.
