Sheffield United starlet set big Blades challenge ahead of key career period after “big league” transfer verdict
Starlet set big Sheffield United challenge ahead of key career period after “big league” transfer verdict
Andre Brooks, the Sheffield United winger, has been told he has the ability to become a Premier League player in the future - but warned that it is only him who can decide whether that undoubted potential is fulfilled. The 22-year-old academy product has played a part in the Blades’ recent revival, from the right wing.
He was again dangerous going forward in Saturday’s 4-0 hammering of Stoke City and also did his job going the other way as well, linking up with fellow Shirecliffe product Femi Seriki down that right wing.
Along with the likes of Sydie Peck and the returning Oliver Arblaster, there is a good core of starlets running through Wilder’s squad at the minute which brings optimism for the future as well as the present.
The Blades chief has always had belief in Brooks, throwing him in against Liverpool in the Premier League in the first game of his second spell in charge of United. But that doesn’t mean he or the fellow youngsters will be given an easy ride as the Blades look to squeeze every last drop out of their undoubted talents.
Sheffield United starlet set big Blades challenge ahead of key career period after “big league” transfer verdict
“He decides, not me,” Wilder said of Brooks. “I don't decide. I know what the talent is there, but it's got to bring it all together. So, he decides, not me. I have faith in him, I have belief in him as a player.
“I love to see those local boys come through as well. I love to see the boys from the academy coming through. Femi's a Manchester boy, but he feels like a Sheffield boy. Our Sydie is obviously a cockney, but he's shown all the traits of a Sheffield boy. Blaster, all the others. So, they commit.
“And obviously, Brooksy is a local boy. They know a lot about it but for me, it’s him who decides. He has that opportunity every time he plays and as I said, you can't count yourself as a player until you've played 150, 200 games. He's way short of that at the moment. He has to add those seasons up and show those consistent levels, if he's going to be a player and a top player.
“He's got all the attributes, as you've seen. He's got ability, he's got drive, he's got purpose. Defensively, he's been up against two of the top wingers in the division this season, [Leicester City’s Stephy] Mavadidi and Sorba Thomas [of Stoke].
“I thought a lot would be talked about Femi and Femi's goal and his assist, and Brooksy and the way he played, especially second half. But going the other way, he has a job to do for us. He has that responsibility out of possession.
“His energy levels were absolutely spot-on as well. The punters won't be critical if he produces those levels, and I certainly won't. But going back to your original question, he decides how his career goes forward. They've all got ownership of their own careers and their own futures.”
Brooks is one of three key first-team players, alongside Gus Hamer and Tyrese Campbell, who go into the final 18 months of their current United deals next month.
“If he goes on doing the right things, then he's going to have a decent career,” Wilder added of Brooks. “Regardless of when your contract's up, regardless of who the manager is, regardless of whatever, you just have your own standards and your own personal ambition and drive.
“The successful ones have that and go on to bigger and better things. Whether it's with us, playing consistently and being part of a team that is on the move, or he gets a move to the big league.”