'That is my mindset' - Sydie Peck explains why he relishes midfield competition at Sheffield United
Sydie Peck is one of the very first names on the teamsheet for Sheffield United these days.
Sheffield United midfielder Sydie Peck has admitted he relishes competition for places in midfield following the winter window additions of Kalvin Phillips and Joe Rothwell.
The 21-year-old has established himself as a key figure for the Blades this season, marking his 27th Championship start of the season with an assist in Saturday’s 2-0 win over QPR at Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon.
After Callum O’Hare had given United the lead with just 13 minutes gone, Peck played a first-time pass into the feet of Tyrese Campbell, who took to a touch to open up his body before firing an unstoppable left-footed drive into the far corner from outside the penalty area.
That marked Peck’s seventh direct goal contribution of the season in the Championship and his second assist in his last three games to highlight his importance to manager Chris Wilder. The former Arsenal youngster was joined in midfield by Jaïro Riedewald at Loftus Road after the latter came into the engine room at the expense of Djibril Soumaré.
Rothwell was also back in the matchday squad in the capital after completing his three-match suspension against Coventry City in midweek, offering Wilder another midfield option to consider. Phillips now has just one game of his three-match suspension left to serve, meaning he will be back available for the trip to Norwich City a-week-on-Wednesday.
With United’s midfield department ranking as arguably the strongest area of their squad, Peck is pleased with the level of competition he is fighting against, insisting he is motivated to try and keep his place in the team.
Peck opens up on internal competition
“Yes, that is football and that is my mindset,” Peck told United’s YouTube channel. “That is my mindset.
“I am happy that is my mindset. But like I have said, whether it’s me in midfield, whether it’s not me, whoever’s alongside me, it’s about getting the job done, and hopefully we can keep doing that.”
United’s midfield pool features experienced operators such as Phillips, who has starred at a major tournament for England, and Rothwell, who won the Championship title with Leeds United last season.
Asked if players of their experience help him develop his game, Peck continued: “Yes, of course. There are experienced midfield lads who have done it at the top level.
“Then there is me that is sort of right at the start of their career. I’m young. They do help me, I do learn.
“I like to think that I help them sometimes. But like I have said, we are together as a group and, nine times out of ten, I think if we get the midfield right, and we keep the ball out of one box and put the ball in the next in the other box, we will win games of football. It’s as simple as that.”
On his personal development, the 21-year-old added: I have enjoyed it for a while now. I would like to say I am developing my game game-by-game and contributing to the team.
“I got another assist today, so I am delighted with that. But as long as we are winning, that is the main thing for me. And with individual performances, yes, I am delighted.”