A number of Sheffield United players were involved in international matches last week, but only one of them were on the winning side.
It’s always a busy off-season when there is a major international tournament on the horizon and this summer has been no different. Teams try to prepare themselves before the tournament by having a couple of friendlies, while nations that aren’t participating in the tournament still schedule friendlies as well.
Last week it was a mixture of senior friendlies and youth games that some of the Blades players took part in.
Sheffield United players on international duty
One of the players that was on international duty was Sheffield United reserve goalkeeper Adam Davies, who’s future at Bramall Lane is uncertain amid prolonged contract negotiations.
Davies, the soon to be 32-year-old, started for Wales in their international friendly against Gibraltar. This was his first start for his country since August 2022, and it only lasted 45 minutes as he was subbed at half-time for Wolves’ reserve stopper Tom King. Davies had little to do in his brief appearance, recording zero saves and totalling seven touches.
It was far from a majestic Wales performance as they registered a mere four shots at the Gibraltar goal. The game ended 0-0. Davies would be demoted to the bench for Wales’ friendly against Slovakia where they were beaten 4-0.
Will Osula was also involved in a friendly as the Danish U21’s faced Norway’s U21’s in a cracking 3-3 draw. The 20-year-old bagged a first half brace with the goals being separated by four minutes.
Another young Blade that was involved in international duty was Sam Curtis. The 18-year-old bagged an assist for Ireland’s U21’s as they secured a 3-2 victory against Croatia’s U21’s.
Ireland’s U21’s are next in action on Tuesday when they host England’s U20’s.
Anel Ahmedhodzic featured in both of Bosnia’s friendlies. Firstly against England where the 25-year-old put in a very good performance before being substituted in the 82nd minute. Bosnia would then fall apart at the back conceding two late goals as they fell to a 3-0 defeat.
Their second friendly came against Italy and despite suffering a 1-0 loss, Ahmedhodzic’s stock will surely have risen after two very strong showings at the back. Against Italy, the Sheffield United defender recorded a 100% win rate in aerial duels and ground duels, in addition to his three tackles won. Ahmedhodzic completed 88% of his passes including five of seven long balls, he also had the opportunity to get on the scoresheet.
There will be plenty of transfer rumours regarding Anel Ahmedhodzic over the coming weeks as the Blades are likely to sell him after being relegated back to the Championship. A couple of good performances on the international stage will certainly do his stock no harm. The Bosnian international reportedly has a release clause of £17 million written into his contract, which only has two years left.
According to Transfermarkt, Malmo will be entitled to 13% of any future sale that exceeds €4.5m.
