Record Sheffield United signing, Sander Berge, has admitted that he has had to get used to the Blades way of playing since arriving at Bramall Lane.
Berge joined the Blades in January in a £22m deal from Genk. Since his arrival, he’s started all three Premier League games he’s been available for. In those games, he’s helped his new club to two wins and a draw.
Sander Berge admits he’s been taken aback by the way Sheffield United play. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
The Norwegian has slotted into the right-side of midfield. That role was previously occupied by John Lundstram. Indeed, Lundstram had built up a fine understanding with both George Baldock and Chris Basham down that side of the field.
And Berge has conceded that the new role is taking some getting used to, insisting he has never seen anything like it before.
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“I’ve never experienced it before. And I’ve never played in such a system before either,” Berge said. (Quotes from Sheffield Star via Sporting Witness)
“The intention is to be unpredictable. It’s a little different. It’s about creating situations where we outnumber at the edges. So we can play three on two, four to three, creating an outnumber [situation] where it’s the least dangerous to lose the ball.”
Reputation
After arriving with a big reputation and for such a big fee, expectations have been high when it comes to Berge. With that has come some pressure, with some Blades fans already calling for more from their new man.
Sander Berge may well fine himself in a deeper role for the Blades in the future. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
But Berge feels he has done well enough in his role.
“Considering that I have neither been involved in such a system nor such a role before, it has been a good start,” he added.
A steep learning curve and one that will take time
As we covered in the linked article within this piece, giving Berge time is going to crucial for the club and fans alike.
He’s clearly an excellent player and will bring a lot to the club. The more he plays, the more he will get used to what is a different way of playing for him.
Of course, he is also versatile. There have already been calls for him to drop into a deeper role at some point. That is something we might see as United travel to Reading this evening in the FA Cup.
