The Manchester City man who had Sheffield United defender John Egan feeling 'helpless' - Blades backline reveal their toughest opponents

Sheffield United’s defenders have appeared to slip almost effortlessly into life in the Premier League this season.
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The Blades backline kept 10 clean sheets, conceded just 25 goals – a record only bettered by leaders Liverpool – and have been lauded by almost everyone for their consistently superb performances.

However, while it all seems so very easy for John Egan, Jack O’Connell and Chris Basham, even they will admit that there are some players who have had them mesmerised.

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Asked by former Arsenal defender turned pundit Martin Keown for Mailonline, who has been the toughest opponent the trio have faced this season in the top flight O’Connell replied: “Adama Traore. So quick, so strong. You just bounce off him. He’s the one. He’s special. Virgil van Dijk can pick you off with one pass as well.”

Sheffield United defenders John Egan, Jack O'Connell and Chris Basham (R) applaud the crowd at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis/SportimageSheffield United defenders John Egan, Jack O'Connell and Chris Basham (R) applaud the crowd at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Sheffield United defenders John Egan, Jack O'Connell and Chris Basham (R) applaud the crowd at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

Basham added: “For me, Sadio Mane. Mane was so … into the unknown. I didn’t know what he was going to don’t I don’t think he did either.”

Egan admitted one player made him feel ‘helpless’.

“The player who has impressed me most is Kevin de Bruyne, he said. “He hit a pass for Sergio Aguero in the only place he could have put it and I’m there thinking: ‘that’s world class.’.

O’Connell interjected: “He put it through my legs as well, as I went to block it,” before Egan added: “That’s the only time I’ve felt helpless on a football pitch this season. Genius.”