Blades News

Huge Injury News For Blades As International Midfielder Eyes Return

|
Image for Huge Injury News For Blades As International Midfielder Eyes Return

The World Cup break came at the right time as far as Sheffield United and starman Sander Berge are concerned. 

Berge has not kicked a ball for the Blades since picking up an injury in the 1-0 home defeat to QPR in October – meaning he has missed nine games. However, the tall and powerful Norwegian midfielder is on the right track to recovery as United look ahead to the Championship restart, against Huddersfield Town on the 10th of December.

Sheffield United’s social media has hinted that Sander Berge could well be ready in time for the Yorkshire derby fixture against the Terriers. 

https://twitter.com/SheffieldUnited/status/1597654416601272320?t=xlH5WT-xX6vnj2DW4I6nVA&s=19

Prior to the midfielder’s ankle injury, Berge started twelve games for United in the Championship – scoring three goals and registering three assists. 

Even though Sheffield United have missed one of their most influential players in Berge, they still remain in a strong position in the league, considering their exceptional injury circumstances that they’ve had to battle through this season. United are 2nd in the table – 3pts behind Burnley, and a goal worse off on goal difference.

My Take

When Sander Berge is out of the Sheffield United team, it is only then that you realise how much of an impact he has on the team and the opposition. 

His defensive numbers are poor, however, due to his huge physique and athleticism, he can cover a wider area that 99% of others can’t. When he is in the team, it is much harder for the opposition to play through United because of this.

Above, you can see that Berge performs a high number of shot-creating actions per 90. Unsurprisingly, his supreme ball-carrying ability sees him rank in the top 1% in the league when it comes to shot-creating actions via a dribble compared to other midfielders.

His ball-carrying ability is something United have missed. When the Championship restarts, United can hopefully field Norwood, Doyle and Berge in their midfield – which surely would be the best midfield in the division.

Share this article