James McAtee has been talked up as being one of England’s brightest young stars and a player that Pep Guardiola rates very highly. McAtee’s form for the Blades since his loan move has been hit-and-miss so far.
The 20-year-old got the Sheffield United supporters buzzing about him even before kicking a football for the Blades. McAtee is rated very highly by the Manchester City and England set up, however, he has not had it all his own way this season with Sheffield United.
The Manchester City loanee has started five games in the Championship this season, and in two of those starts, he has been substituted at halftime – against Luton Town and more recently against Norwich City.
Even though he has showcased his talent in the Manchester City and England youth setups, it was always going to be a difficult transition for McAtee this season as he experiences senior football for the first time.
Despite showing his physical struggles, McAtee has demonstrated his technical ability but not often enough, most fans feel. There are instances where the attacking midfielder picks up the ball, drives past the opposition and plays an incisive pass.
But then there are other instances where he looks physically out of his depth and gets knocked off the ball.
Paul Heckingbottom told Yorkshire Live that: “You see moments with him where you are seeing what talents he has got and what he’s about.”
McAtee has a goal and an assist to his name for the Blades in twelve appearances in the Championship.
Heckingbottom reiterated:
“It’s a big learning opportunity for [McAtee] this season, a really big one.” [Yorkshire Live]