When Harry Souttar was brought in on loan from Leicester City by Sheffield United, supporters instantly expected the big Australian defender to replace Anel Ahmedhodzic who they thought would depart in the summer transfer window.
However, we saw in the Blades’ recent victory before the international break, against Watford, the two aforementioned players can form a formidable partnership at the centre of the back four. The win over Watford was the first time the pair started alongside each other and they helped United to a clean sheet, giving up just one shot on target.
The recent performances of Souttar warranted a call-up to Australia for their World Cup qualification matches. Unfortunately, the Socceroos lost their recent World Cup qualification game against Bahrain with Souttar scoring an 89th minute own goal.
Harry Souttar opens up about the start to his Sheffield United career
Despite the disappointment on the international front, Souttar has opened up about the start to the new season in his new surroundings at Sheffield United, and he may have aimed some of his words to his former manager Enzo Maresca, who is now at Chelsea.
“It’s just really great to be playing, to feel like a player again. And to get treated like a proper football player is really nice. I feel really good and feel fit. It helps massively on the pitch when you’re playing week in, week out.”
“We know the expectations we’ve got this season, and I’m just trying to do my best. I’ve really enjoyed my first few weeks there. It’s been great. I’m thankful that they’ve come in for me, and given me somewhere to show what I can do. It’s a great club, they’re good people, and even though it’s kind of a new playing group, it’s one that’s going really well,” as quoted by The Star.
Blades players on international duty
Souttar isn’t the only Blade on international duty, Kieffer Moore and Adam Davies were called up for Wales for their UEFA Nations League games. Davies has been an unused sub while Moore came on for the final 15 minutes in a 0-0 draw against Turkey, and he started in a 2-0 victory over Montenegro with the towering forward score after just 30 seconds.
Big Kieffer on target for Wales 👏 https://t.co/CosfCsSCVW
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) September 9, 2024
Anel Ahmedhodzic was called up for Bosnia, and Oli Arblaster was named in the England Elite Squad, but both pulled out of international duty due to minor injury concerns. Meanwhile, Louie Marsh received his England U20’s debut in a one-all draw against Turkey.
