Sheffield United, like the majority of teams that gain promotion to the Premier League, will face an uphill task of avoiding relegation. Any team that wants to survive in the top-flight needs cohesion as well as individual brilliance.
Football isn’t rocket science; if your best players or most valuable players aren’t performing then you will struggle. But who are United’s most valuable players?
Sheffield United’s three most valuable players
3. Iliman Ndiaye – €18m
According to Transfermarkt Ndiaye is the third most valuable player, and after his first two senior campaigns, you can see why. Last season Ndiaye lit up the Championship, helping United to a 2nd-place finish. The Senegalese forward was directly involved in 24 goals in the league, and he produced a plethora of outrageous moments.
It’s now got to the point where, if Ndiaye can’t trick his way past his opponent then it will be a disappointment, which is a testament to just how skilful he is with the ball at his feet. But he also has the vision and cuteness in his passing to set up teammates. His strength and ball control under pressure is key to spearheading Sheffield United’s attacks.
Most of the time in football, when there’s a flamboyant player they tend to shy away from defensive responsibilities and their work rate off the ball isn’t always admirable. But that is not the case with Ndiaye; the 23-year-old is exceptional at defending from the front. His understanding of when to press and when not to press is of the highest level.
2. Anel Ahmedhodzic – €20m
The Bosnian international is the joint-most valuable player for the Blades. Ahmedhodzic joined Sheffield United last summer from Malmo after the club paid a substantial fee for the defender.
His first season with United could not have gone any better. Last summer there was all this talk about his talent and potential, and he most certainly showed his ability.
The 24-year-old displayed excellent defensive qualities while defending his box, his speed and anticipation also helped him to sweep up any danger from through balls, making several last-ditch blocks/tackles to deny the opposition.
To add, he is equally as good going forward, which makes him a special talent. His composure with the ball at his feet helps him break the press with his passing and ball-carrying. The centre-back finished the season with six goals and two assists.
1. Sander Berge – €20m
Berge has been one of Sheffield United’s most valuable players since he arrived from Genk in January 2020.
The Norwegian midfielder has just finished his fourth campaign with the Blades, and although he has performed to a good standard, the 25-year-old would argue there is still more to come.
Berge’s power and athleticism make him merely unstoppable when he drives at the opposition. For a physically big player, he possesses great agility which helps him to manipulate the ball while running at full speed.
In addition, he has a good range of passes, and more importantly, his weight of pass is key to successfully operating up the opposition.
Blades, do you agree with the list? Do you agree with Transfermarkt’s valuation of this trio?
