Sheffield United transfer delays set to hand "impressive" rookie another unexpected chance as toughest test looms
Chris Wilder is still hoping to add defensive reinforcements before the Championship season begins but, until they arrive, Jamal Baptiste has another chance to impress as Sheffield United prepare for their toughest pre-season examination yet against Levante.
Sheffield United's meeting with Levante tomorrow will be the toughest pre-season examination so far for Chris Wilder’s side. But for skipper Japhet Tanganga, the significance of the Spanish trip stretches well beyond 90 minutes against La Liga opposition.
United’s preparations for the new Championship campaign will step up against Luís Castro’s men, who survived in Spain’s top flight last season in their first campaign back after promotion.
United are unbeaten so far in pre-season, beating FC Halifax Town before drawing with Chesterfield on Saturday. After their return to home shores they face Huddersfield Town and Rotherham United before signing off for the summer with a trip to Germany to face Bochum.
The focus has been on exposing United to different tests and situations to get them in shape for the new season, both mentally and physically. And a demanding friendly in the heat of Spain, against a possession-based outfit, will continue that theme.
“They’re a good opponent, and Spanish teams are very good on the ball,” said Tanganga. “It's something that we can use to gauge where our press is at in terms of off the ball work.
“They have very technical players and we have the heat to deal with as well. So, it'll be a real test, but also an opportunity for us to go away as a team and bond in one place for about a week.
“And just get to know each other a bit more. New players coming in, like Rom[elle Donovan]. And a few of the younger players as well. So, it'll just be a nice week away. Obviously to work, but also to bond as well as a group and build that camaraderie going into the season.”
One player hoping to make the most of another demanding examination is defender Jamal Baptiste, who has partnered Tanganga at centre-half against Halifax and Chesterfield and may do so again against Levante.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Rotherham United and was unable to stop them sliding into League Two but, as things stand, appears to be ahead of Mark McGuinness in the pecking order.
The Blades are desperate for centre-half reinforcements before the start of the new season next month but as long as that search goes on, Baptiste has a chance to stake a claim.
“He's been really good,” Tanganga said of his young teammate. “That’s not just my perspective, but everyone else who's been watching him in training and games as well.
“He's applied himself really well. Not just him, but all the other young boys who have obviously been involved as well. From playing alongside him, he's good.
“He's gained his experience with Rotherham last season, and you can tell. Like I said, with the help of Phil [Jones, the new coach] and with the gaffer and all the coaching staff, he can only grow from here. But, yes, he's been really good and really impressive.”