George Baldock put in another superb performance for the Blades at Norwich City yesterday.
After a dismal first half for Chris Wilder’s men, United sprung into life in the second half. A blistering opening ten minutes to the second period saw Baldock cross for Enda Stevens to equalise.
And just three minutes later, it was Baldock’s turn to get in on the goalscoring act. The right wing-back expertly turned in the box before firing low into the corner past a hapless Tim Krul.
The goal from Baldock was his second of the season. Both have come away from home, with his previous effort his ‘shanked’ (according to Chris Wilder) effort at Spurs.
Baldock has been integral to Sheffield United all season. But his importance has been highlighted further by an impressive stat provided by Opta.
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What’s the story with George Baldock and his impressive stat?
According to Opta, Baldock has now been directly involved in five Sheffield United goals this season. Along with his two strikes for himself, he’s also provided three assists.
Those assists came against Leicester at home, a week ago at Wolves, and today. Impressively, those stats put him behind only Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool when it comes to defenders contributing to goals.
It’s a hugely impressive feat for Baldock at this stage of the season. Last season there were questions from some supporters around his final product. However, the Blades defender seems to have emphatically answered those questions.
Importance to the team
It’s clear just how important both Enda Stevens and Baldock are to the Sheffield United system. Especially this season, with chances for overlapping centre-backs not being as frequent as last term.
Baldock has been relentless down the right all season. That, coupled with the fact he never seems to be injured and is an ever-present for Chris Wilder, shows his value.
In George Baldock, Sheffield United have one of the finest wing-backs in the league. If it wasn’t for the fact England were so blessed in the right-back area, then Baldock might well be someone Gareth Southgate would consider calling up.