Kevin Gage was impressed with Sheffield United once more at West Brom yesterday and he felt Ben Osborn summed up the Blades’ efforts.
Osborn was once again asked to play at left wing-back by Paul Heckingbottom. He then moved over to the right for the final moments as well, showing his versatility.
Yesterday, Osborn faced a tough task in the form of experienced winger Matty Phillips. And speaking on SUTV, former United player Gage felt Osborn’s relentless efforts against Phillips set the tone.
“We had really good performances all over the pitch. I think probably summed up by Ben Osborn. In the first few minutes he looked like he was going to have a torrid afternoon,” Gage said on SUTV.
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“Matt Phillips was just running him down that right side and I thought here we go. But he just dug in, he kept ratting at Phillips, got in some great blocks and interceptions and Phillips was nullified in the end. I think it just epitomised Sheffield United’s display.”
Osborn has returned from injury in recent weeks. And his return has come at a great time for United. With so many left footers out, Osborn’s inclusion has given Paul Heckingbottom the ideal boost of late.
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The former Nottingham Forest man isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. He is often seen as a grafter who can lack the quality required at times in key areas. But against the Baggies, Osborn did brilliantly.
Phillips has been one of the best wingers in the Championship in recent times. But in the end, he was completely shut down by Osborn and the evergreen Chris Basham down that left side.
For United, this was a massive win. Six games without a win had been hard to take and with Bristol City up next in a few days, it’s another chance for United to get on the winning trail again.
