A controversial ‘team of the season’ so far from the league sponsors this week got Sheffield United fans talking, with the absences of key men Michael Cooper and Harry Souttar debated particularly vociferously. The Blades went into the current break joint top of the Championship table, with no side in the league registering more wins or winning more points.
But only midfielder Vini Souza made that particular cut from a Blades perspective as Norwich City dominated with three players despite sitting in the bottom half of the table, and a couple from United’s Yorkshire rivals Leeds United. Fortunately David Prutton, the former Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds man, has more of a grasp on matters in the second tier and has been impressed with a number of Blades so far this season. Here’s how the Sky Sports EFL pundit made up his team of the campaign so far... is that more like it, Blades?
5. LB: Harrison Burrows (Sheffield United)
DP: Making his bow for Sheffield United and now chipping in with goals which is always good. If you’re going to be a player out wide who’s encouraged to get forward, who do you want as your manager? Chris Wilder. | Getty Images
6. RM: Romain Esse (Millwall)
DP: He has all the attributes as a boring ex pro that you recognise. He plays for a good club and understands what that means, so I respect that. | Getty Images
7. CM: Vini Souza (Sheffield United)
DP: The biggest compliment you can pay to players is that you miss them when they aren’t there. He’s found his feet, this season. I was impressed by the size of him, he’s a big bloke but he still manages to get around the pitch. Photo: George Wood/Getty Images
8. CM: Alex Mowatt (West Brom)
DP: The managers he’s worked under have created a nicely-rounded player. Under Carlos Corberán now who will be working them every single minute to be as good as they can be. Him and Souza together is a mouthwatering and combustible combination. | Getty Images