Sheffield United; Champions of Europe

When most people think of top European teams, they picture the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Liverpool. They may picture smaller clubs such as Chelsea or Manchester City, but it is unlikely anyone’s mind ever wonders to the likes of Sheffield United. However, here we are mid-season in the Premier League, and the quintessentially Championship team of Sheffield United are looking somewhat likely candidates to qualify for Europe; a huge achievement considering they were in league one just 4 seasons ago. The question that has to be asked, however, is if Sheffield do defy the odds and Qualify for a European competition, can they do what teams such as Leicester and Southampton haven’t managed to do before, and compete for the title itself? In my opinion the simple answer is yes, Sheffield United can, and here’s why. as Fulham in 2018, who spent over 100 million pounds and got relegated straight away, Wilder trusted his players, many whom had been in the squad since the league one days. The fantasy football legend himself John Lundstram is the embodiment of lower league football, a slightly overweight English utility player, who wouldn’t stand out in a Blackburn Rovers side. However, under wilders leadership he has become a top player, arguably on par with the likes of N’Golo Kante or Paul Pogba. Its players like him, who have battled through adversity and had to fight for there place in the team, who I think could make Sheffield a top European team. The character that you get with players like this is transformed into creativity on

Chris Wilder, in my opinion a manager on par with the likes of Guardiola and Mourinho, did something that few managers do when Sheffield got promoted last year. Unlike teams such

the pitch, which has proved to be unplayable for many teams this year. Ollie McBurnie, United’s record signing in the summer, can often be seen in the stands at Swansea, wearing his Stone Island garments and bucket hat. This humbleness helps Sheffield surprise teams, and helps the players remember their lower league roots.

My final point is a deserved recognition of Wilder’s tactics. Critics thought the overlapping centre backs could never work in the prem, but as results against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have proven, they were wrong. So called Top 6 teams can’t cope with the transformative style of play presented by Sheffield United, which is why they could be so devastating in Europe as a whole. If Arsenal and Chelsea, the runners up and winner of the Europa League, can’t cope with the creativity and forwardthinking Sheffield United, who says United can’t win the whole tournament?

Harry Hare, L6 th

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