Sheffield United‘s Rhian Brewster has been handed some recent positivity from his club boss, following a quality performance against Luton Town.
Having joined the Blades in October 2020, for a club-record fee of £23.5 million, Brewster has been underwhelming and injury-led in the 86 appearances since. However, the 24-year-old looks as determined as ever to set things right on the pitch this year. A 2-0 victory over Luton has allowed the forward to spotlight himself in the manager’s vision once again.
Chris Wilder was thoroughly impressed by the former Liverpool academy player’s first start of the new season. An unfortunate injury had held back Brewster’s return to United’s first team, but he is now full of confidence after grabbing an important assist.
It is likely that Jesrun Rak-Sakyi will deservedly take most of the plaudits, after firing home two goals for Sheffield United at the weekend. However, Wilder’s focus has been on praising Brewster, in order for him to retain some of the faith that was bestowed upon him when he signed for the club four years ago.
When speaking to The Star, Brewster offered his thoughts on the pressure that he will inevitably face after returning from a catalogue of injuries, having not scored in two entire years for the Blades:
“I feel there’s not really a lot of pressure on me. I feel everyone’s behind me because of what’s happened with the injuries and stuff; everyone wants me to do well so I’m trying to do well for them as much as myself.
“The fans, the coaching staff and even the players. I wouldn’t wish injury on anyone and after being our for such a long time, it’s about trying to stay fit. Take every moment as it comes, because when i was injured I just wanted to be out there. Now I am fit, I just want to stay out there.”
Supposedly, Brewster’s time on the sidelines has allowed him to gain a much stronger mindset on the harsh nature of football and its consequent injuries. As a much more grounded individual, since arriving at the club, the 24-year-old has learned a lot with Sheffield United.
“People lead in different ways. Robbo (Jack Robinson – the Blades’ club captain) is more vocal and leads on the pitch, but for example, Blaster (Ollie Arblaster – the vice-captain) does it differently – on the ball.
“This season was different for me because I’m still young but I’m one of the senior lads now. I’ll still be myself, give my opinion and sometimes people need digging out. I need digging out as well sometimes and I can’t do that if I’m not doing it myself.
“I’m going to bring the fight and everyone is going to do that. We fight as a team and we push on as a team.”
United currently sit in second place, despite a two point deduction, and remain unbeaten so far this campaign. The Blades also haven’t conceded in their last six, which seems like an absurd statistic in such a competitive division like the Championship. A well-rounded determination, as promised by Brewster, could land the Yorkshire outfit in a promotion charge.
Writer’s View
The 24-year-old was praised far too highly by Chris Wilder, to remain grounded, at the time of his signature with the Blades. A plethora of injuries halted Brewster’s growth and applied too much unnecessary pressure instantly. However, this strong mindset that he has now adopted will allow the former Swansea City loanee to pick up where he left off.
Smart business in the transfer window will likely enhance Brewster’s rejuvenation this season, with a strong core of a squad around to work as a well-drilled team. Big things can be expected from the striker-turned-winger this season, if performances remain the same or improve further. Opting as a ‘shadow striker’ may be a gem of a role for Sheffield United’s number seven.
