Sheffield United delivered a timeless FA Cup performance to see off Tottenham last night, with Tommy Doyle at the heart of things.
The Manchester City loanee was superb in the middle of the park. Having been selected by Paul Heckingbottom to effectively replace Oliver Norwood in midfield, Doyle delivered with aplomb.
He was given the player of the match by the BBC’s Martin Keown, such was his performance.
Of course, watching closely in the studio was his Manchester City teammate Kyle Walker. And speaking for the BBC, Walker said that Doyle’s performance in the first-half was typical of what he’s seen him do in training at City.
“That’s Tommy. That’s Tommy in a nutshell. Good passer of the ball, gets on the ball on the half-turn,” Walker said.
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“He likes to spray and he does this a lot in training. The gaffer always gets him on set-pieces when we’re doing certain things ‘cos he’s got good technique. And I think these sort of games you give him space and he can lift his head and he can hurt you.”
Doyle showed his ability from set-pieces the previous week against Millwall. The midfielder scored a fine goal from range, beating George Long low into the bottom corner.
Sheffield United News View: Doyle really came into his own against Spurs
Every so often there is a performance from a young player that seems to be the making of them. And we might have just witnessed it from Tommy Doyle last night.
Undeterred by the presence of Hojbjerg and Sarr in the middle, Doyle imposed himself on the game to the point where United didn’t even miss Norwood. And that is a big piece of praise in itself.
Doyle will be vital for Sheffield United between now and May. His fitness and performances will be key.
And, as Walker says, his delivery on set-pieces could even be the difference in some tight Championship fixtures.
