The hilarious compliment Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has paid Rhian Brewster ahead of the striker's return to Liverpool

Rhian Brewster has been paid a remarkable compliment ahead of his return to Liverpool, with Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder praising the club’s record signing for not being a “toilet bag” footballer.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Brewster was described as a “natural finisher” by Wilder when he became the most expensive ever player in United’s history earlier this month and, after making his debut against Fulham last weekend, is poised to start tomorrow’s meeting with Jurgen Klopp’s side.

But it is Brewster’s willingness to turn his back on the reigning Premier League champions in order to further his career which has really impressed Wilder, whose team hope to record their first win of the new season at Anfield.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“That, Rhian’s determination to seek out games, have got to be applauded and recognised,” he said. “I’ve spoken before about ‘toilet bag footballers’, who are happy to walk around with a Louis Vutton wash bag under the arm rather than actually playing matches.

“With them, you aren’t looking in that toilet bag at 400 senior appearances. What you see is some aftershave, probably worth about 400 quid, some teeth whitening toothpaste and maybe a comb, because they’ve got to look nice. But there’s no actual games in there at all. Rhian’s not like that, he wants to take ownership of what he does, and I think that’s really great to see.”

United paid £23.5m to acquire Brewster’s services, with Klopp rating the youngster so highly that he insisted a buy back clause, active for three years, was inserted into the deal. Aged 20, Brewster moved to the North-West after a spell in Chelsea’s youth system and rose to prominence by scoring 11 times in 22 outings during a spell on loan at Swansea City last season.

Despite acknowledging the spotlight the England under-21 international is under in South Yorkshire, Wilder said: “We were thankful he was available. People know what is best, from the inside, for their football club at any point in time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Everybody has a point to prove. Does he want to go back and do well? Of course he does.

Rhian Brewster of Sheffield United (L) vies with Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Fulham during the Premier League match at Bramall Lane: Andrew Yates/SportimageRhian Brewster of Sheffield United (L) vies with Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Fulham during the Premier League match at Bramall Lane: Andrew Yates/Sportimage
Rhian Brewster of Sheffield United (L) vies with Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Fulham during the Premier League match at Bramall Lane: Andrew Yates/Sportimage

“The expectations, living up to them that’s why we are in this business. He’s a finisher and we’ve created chances, that’s why I think he’ll do well.”

An important message: To help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details at https://www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions/sports.