It goes without saying that this season is a huge on for Sheffield United striker, Rhian Brewster.
The young forward has yet to get off the mark for the Blades. Following a big-money move from Liverpool, Brewster has struggled to get into any sort of rhythm. A handful of starts last season yielded little success, although the blame cannot be pinned on him entirely.
Brewster was part of a sinking ship to be honest. He was up against it from day one, and while he looked sharper at the back end of the campaign, the goals didn’t even look like coming.
Everyone wants Brewster to do well. He seems confident, too. But his miss against Europa Point the other day – albeit in a nothing friendly – summed up his time at the club so far. Brewster nodded a simple looking header wide, and his frustration was clearly visible.
It means a goal between now and the beginning of the August, is becoming more and more important for the Blades starlet.
Confidence
Confidence in the striker from within the Sheffield United camp is as high as ever. Billy Sharp has backed Brewster this week, while David McGoldrick has sung his praises previously.
“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. The club is working hard with him in the gym and during training, getting him used to the way we play with the physical aspects,” McGoldrick said last season.
Of course, all eyes will be on Rhian himself this season. A new manager, who is known for not worrying about age, is likely to give Brewster his chance. But the striker has to take it.
Two more pre-season games, at Doncaster, and at home to Norwich, will give Brewster another chance to find the net. And if he does, then don’t bet against him hitting the ground running in the Championship.
Most people will say pre-season is all about minutes in the legs. But for Rhian Brewster and Sheffield United, it could have a much, much bigger impact in the long-run.