Rhys Norrington-Davies put in an impressive performance for Sheffield United against Middlesbrough today in a hard-fought 2-2 draw.
The Welsh international was thrust into a left centre-back slot, as new signing Ciaran Clark missed out through injury alongside fellow left-footer Ben Osborn. For Norrington-Davies, it was a move to the inside from his usual slot at left wing-back, where Max Lowe played today.
On the day, Norrington-Davies played well and could have won a penalty as well. And speaking about the Welshman’s performance, Jack O’Connell was quick to praise his teammate.
“I think you take a point at Middlesbrough. I think Rhys (Norrington-Davies) was excellent in that position. He hasn’t played there much but I think he did really well,” O’Connell said on SUTV.
Fellow pundit for the day and former United midfielder Mark Duffy also praised Norrington-Davies, suggesting he was the man of the match for United on the day, while he also had some kinds words for Max Lowe as well.
“I though Rhys was brilliant I probably will give him man of the match. He was really aggressive, on the front foot. And then Max Lowe, started a little bit sloppy, lost his man for the goal but thought second half he was better. Showed really good character to step up,” Duffy said of the Blades left-sided duo.
Our View: More To Come From Lowe And Norrington-Davies
It was certainly a poor opening 45 minutes from Max Lowe, who seems to be struggling to really get going in a red and white shirt this season. But as Duffy says, and in fairness to Lowe himself, he grew into things in the second period.
For Norrington-Davies, it was another strong showing. Indeed, there is a growing feeling among some United fans that he might actually be the long-term O’Connell replacement the club is looking for.
There is more to come from both this season. Lowe can take confidence from that second 45, while Norrington-Davies will hope to keep his place if Clark remains out against Sunderland.