Sheffield United defender Rhys Norrington-Davies played for Wales once again last night as they lost at home to Poland.
Karol Swiderski scored the winner for the Poles following a brilliant flick from Robert Lewandowski. It brought a disappointing end to the international break for the Welsh, who also lost to Belgium as well.
For Norrington-Davies, the main thing was coming through those games unscathed. He started both and Sheffield United fans will have been slightly relieved to see him subbed off last night around the hour mark.
But just how did Norrington-Davies do for Wales last night? Well, we’ve looked at a few of the national media outlets to get the lowdown, and it’s mixed news really for the Blades left-back.
What National Media Said About Norrington-Davies
Of course, us Sheffield United fans know just how good Rhys Norrington-Davies can be. This season he’s been one of the standout players for the Blades, slotting in effortlessly both at left wing-back and left centre-back. Indeed, ‘RND’ played in a number of positions for the Welsh over this break.
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However, last night was probably his worst performance of the two fixtures, and that was reflected in the national media ratings.
“Showed brief flashes, but couldn’t really get into the game. A moment in the second half where he burst through the heart of the midfield before spraying a pass straight out of play just about summed up his night. Subbed,” Wales Online wrote in giving the defender a 5/10.
“Carried the ball out of defence well and looked comfortable on the whole. Substituted right after Poland scored”, 90Min.com added, before giving him 6/10.
Our View: Norrington-Davies Now Key For Sheffield United
There was a time when Sheffield United fans might have thought we’d never get a replacement for the injured Jack O’Connell at left centre-back. However, Norrington-Davies is coming as close to O’Connell as we’ve seen.
He does do a good job at wing-back as well but his final ball can let him down at times. But in that central role he is hugely effective thanks to his defensive prowess and energy from the position.
For Blades fans, this weekend was all about seeing players stay fit and come through the games fit. And for now, it seems Norrington-Davies will be back and ready to go this coming weekend.