Sheffield United have a player in their ranks who is just like Martin Odegaard for Arsenal in the form of James McAtee.
That’s according to former Blade Carl Asaba anyway, who has been singing the Manchester City loanee’s praises this week.
McAtee came off the bench for United last weekend to help the Blades to their first three points of the season against Wolves. His impact from an advanced midfield role was massive as he showed just why Paul Heckingbottom should select him.
And speaking on BBC’s Football Heaven this week, former Blades striker Asaba was full of praise for McAtee.
Carl Asaba compares James McAtee to Arsenal’s Odegaard
Speaking on Football Heaven, Asaba had the following to say about McAtee.
“He’s a bonus player in that he plays midfield and you have an extra number in there but then he can just attack. He’s like Odegaard, you play him in midfield so he’s defending for you, he’s another body for them to try and navigate away from but he likes the ball 30 yards out cos he can go past you like you’re not there,” Asaba said.
“The manager loves attacking, let’s not forget. But McAtee is showing you don’t need two up top. Because I can attack either side from the number ten position and we need to be solid, so when we’ve not got the ball I’m willing to put a shift in. McAtee offers you this solidity. He’s shown this season what we saw him do in the Championship, he’s going to go past whatever calibre of player because he is that good.”
McAtee will be hoping to get the nod from the off today as United face a tricky trip to face Brighton at The AMEX.
The Seagulls are coming off the back of a Europa League clash and there’s a feeling among United fans that could help the Blades snatch a result.
Whether or not Paul Heckingbottom does go with McAtee from the start, is unknown as yet. However, given his impact last weekend, it would be hard for the Blades boss to leave him out.