Sheffield United midfielder Anis Slimane has lauded the performance, goal, and impact of fellow midfielder James McAtee.
McAtee curled a wonderful goal into the top corner to help United to a massive three points over Brentford at the weekend.
The Manchester City loanee has had few chances to really show his quality this season but playing slightly wider and deeper, McAtee has looked more of a threat in the last two games.
Of course, Slimane himself has had little in the way of minutes. But he came off the bench at the weekend to good effect and should have had a goal himself.
But rather than dwell on his own chances, Slimane was quick to praise his teammates and he told SUTV that McAtee is a player who everyone knows is so important.
“What a goal, what a player McAtee is. We know how important he is for our team and how good he is in his offensive game and today he just showed his quality. Very happy for him that he was able to help the team,” Slimane said.
Slimane and McAtee to offer goal threat for Sheffield United
We all know what James McAtee is about. We saw it last season and at times he looked a cut above a lot of the players in the Championship.
This season he’s not really shown it as much but you do feel that the more the confidence in the entire team grows, that the more impact McAtee will have.
Likewise, Slimane can also have an impact.
The midfielder might have spurned two big chances to get himself on the scoresheet or even lay one on for Cameron Archer, but the main thing was he was in those positions.
Slimane had zero chances really under Paul Heckingbottom and he will be chomping at the bit to impress.
Chris Wilder has a knack of getting players to produce their best and if he can get Slimane ticking, it will feel like a fresh signing has joined mid-season.