Last season was something of a breakthrough campaign for Iliman Ndiaye as he linked-up well with loanee Morgan Gibbs-White. However, this year the Senegal international, currently at the Word Cup with his country, has gone up a few more levels with a host of stunning perfomances as the Blades aim for promotion back to the Championship.
Manager Paul Heckingbottom said it was the player's hard work and taking on board what his coaches wanted from him that has seen Ndiaye become one of the division’s most exciting stars.
“The talent was there, it was just about teaching him the game,” he said. “When I came in, I had to go after the young players. They were nowhere near the level, in terms of the training and how they played.
“Application, too. Nowhere near. Within a few days of working with Iliman, he’d responded. How he plays now, and what has made everyone talk about him, that’s what he started doing.”
As for McBurnie, the Scotland international had been at a low ebb and on a goalless run that looked like never ending. That was until he struck against Luton Town near the beginning of this season and since then he hasn’t looked back.
Heckingbottom told The Star last month: "He's showing you what he is. That previously wasn't him; he was letting himself down and it's not the goals that have led to a shift, it's a shift in him and his approach to everything. That's led to the goals.
"He's done it himself, he's made a lot of changes and responded well and I think he's got the bit between his teeth again, which is great to see."
We looked at the goal contributions of the top ranking players in the Championship to see how Ndiaye and McBurnie compare.
9. Ismaila Sarr - Watford - 10 Goal Contributions
Currently on World Cup duty with Senegal, a lot was expected of Ismaila Sarr at this level and he has provided six goals and four assists for a Watford side whose fans had high expectations this season Photo: Ryan Hiscott
10. Nahki Wells - Bristol City - 10 Goal Contributions
The second Bristol City player on the list, the always influential Nahki Wells has scored seven times and provided three assists for the Robins. Photo: Catherine Ivill
11. Ben Brereton Diaz - Blackburn Rovers - 10 Goal Contributions
Ben Brereton Diaz of Blackburn Rovers had been linked will clubs all over Europe last season before being hit by injury and this time around the Chile international has so far registered nine goals and one assist Photo: Justin Setterfield
12. Scott Hogan - Birmingham City - 10 Goal Contributions
Former Sheffield United loanee Scott Hogan appears to have rediscovered his form and this season the Birmingham City striker has already notched up nine goals and an assist Photo: Eddie Keogh