Rhian Brewster missed one of the penalties last night as Sheffield United went out of the League Cup at the hands of Southampton. The young striker saw his effort saved, as his frustrations in a red and white shirt continued.
Much has been made of Brewster’s ‘failure’ since arriving from Liverpool for big money in the summer of 2020. Chris Wilder, at the time, was delighted with the signing. However, Brewster failed to fire in the Premier League and, as yet, hasn’t scored in the Championship either.
To Brewster’s credit, his performances are improving. He’s also trying to learn a new role under Slavisa Jokanovic. Operating either wide or in the number ten role, the 21-year-old is desperate to succeed. We can all see it.
He’ll get help, too. Jokanovic is trying to coach him, and United have enough experienced players around to support him. In particular, a certain David McGoldrick could prove crucial for Brewster’s development and mindset.
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Last season, David McGoldrick was one of few players to emerge with credit from what was a miserable season. He scored eight PL goals, and was United’s best player in the majority of games.
But it’s easy to forget that the year prior, it had taken McGoldrick until after the lockdown to break his duck. He scored twice against Chelsea, and from there, never really looked back.
The experienced striker, then, could be key for Brewster. And that’s not only in terms of learning positional sense, but mentally, too.
Brewster must be finding it tough at the moment. He is desperate to score, to succeed, and show his worth. Much like McGoldrick was in the 19/20 campaign, the youngster is cutting a frustrated figure.
Backing
Brewster’s struggles are nothing new. At least in front of goal, anyway. This carries on from last season and for now, doesn’t look like going away any time soon.
The good thing for the ex-Liverpool man is that he has backing. Indeed, McGoldrick had already spoken last season of his admiration for his younger counterpart.
“Rhian is a great kid. Humble from the first moment he walked in. A cheeky London chappie and a good young player. You have to forget the price tag he came with, that is not his fault,” ‘Didzy’ told the Athletic.
“He has found it tough but I have not seen a better finisher at 20 years of age. People have to remember he is not fully developed yet.“
Hopefully, for both United and Rhian Brewster, a goal will come and the rest will follow. And with McGoldrick not too far away, the youngster can at least lean on someone while things do get better.
