Sheffield United: Garth Crooks brands Blades' football as 'basic' and admits shock at side's strong season start

Writing in his week 'Team of the Week' piece for BBC Sport - in which John Fleck was afforded a place after scoring both goals in Saturday's 2-0 win over Aston Villa - the former Stoke City forward claimed: "Twenty five points after 17 league games? Every time I watch Sheffield United I'm left scratching my head wondering how a team playing such basic football can be fifth in the table.

"Players like Chris Basham, John Lundstram and John Fleck, all of whom have now made my team of the week at some stage, are clearly the reasons why. Apart from the fact the Blades are very difficult to beat and wear you down, like any decent puncher they can deliver a knockout blow."

Crooks concluded: "Their approach is proving to be simple but very effective. They are making the Premier League look ordinary."

Chris Wilder's side are currently ten points clear of the relegation zone in a tightly-packed league table, and will be confident in their abilities to stretch the gap further in the coming weeks.

Next up, the Blades travel to the south coast to take on Brighton next weekend, which will be followed by a flurry festive fixtures against the likes of Watford and Manchester City.