'Outstanding' - Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder hails Jordan Ayew display and praises fellow attacker
Jordan Ayew and Ben Brereton Díaz played key roles in Sheffield United’s victory over Wrexham on Friday evening.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder described Jordan Ayew’s performance in Friday night’s 1-0 win over Wrexham at Bramall Lane as “outstanding”, praising his combination play with match-winner Ben Brereton Díaz.
Brereton Díaz, who returned to United on loan from Southampton in the latter stages of the summer transfer window, scored the only goal of the game with 30 minutes on the clock. He was in the right place at the right time to tap home after Wrexham goalkeeper Anthony Patterson could only parry Ayew’s effort into his path.
With Patrick Bamford absent through injury, Brereton Díaz was given the nod to lead the line, supported by Ayew, who operated just behind him in the No.10 position. The pair linked up well, with Ayew earning plaudits from United supporters throughout the evening.
Ayew was making just his second start since joining the Blades on a free transfer in September, and his performance will have strengthened his case for another start when United travel to Preston North End on Tuesday evening.
“We have talked at length about Jordan,” Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield. “For a 35-year-old, his performance was outstanding. He linked the play up, and his combination play with Ben was good.
“Ben, just for knowledge, started off as a centre-forward when he was at Nottingham Forest and went to Blackburn as one for £7-8million. I’ve tracked him right the way through his career.
“I remember him playing at the top of the pitch alongside Oli McBurnie in the season in the Premier League.
“I’m delighted for Ben and delighted for Jordan. I thought their combination play was good. They just ran out of legs towards the end.
“I think that was perhaps a result of how much they pressed the opposition and prevented them from getting their heads up and dominating any part of the game, which I didn’t think they managed to do.”
On Ayew, Wilder continued: “I don’t see how anybody can be critical of him coming in having not had a pre-season, arriving a day after the transfer window shut and impressing everybody with his attitude and quality.
“His CV is there for everybody to see, and he gives us experience. He played like a proper No.9 tonight.
“It was a big blow that Pat wasn’t available, but the reason we brought Jordan in was to play that role, and he did that to great effect.”