Key men helping steer Sheffield United through choppy waters of Championship promotion push

Chris Wilder’s Bramall Lane babes are rapidly coming of age at Sheffield United - but don’t overlook the importance of the experienced professionals also helping to steer the Blades ship through the choppy waters of a Championship promotion push. Oliver Arblaster and Andre Brooks, 20 and 21 years old respectively, are established members of the United squad with the likes of Sydie Peck (20) and Femi Seriki (22) stepping up superbly in the cauldron atmosphere of Sunday’s Steel City derby victory.

Also on the teamsheet against Wednesday were Alfie Gilchrist (20), Harrison Burrows (22) and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (22), with highly-rated 18-year-old Ryan One stepping off the bench later in the game. Integrating that youth element was a key part of Wilder’s summer freshen-up plans after the Blades’ relegation from the Premier League and as a result, the Blades have the second-youngest average age in the Championship so far this term - with only joint-leaders Sunderland’s lower.

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Amongst that youthful backdrop, some of United’s more experienced men have been vital. Anel Ahmedhodzic and Harry Souttar are only 25 and 26 years old respectively but are seen as elder statesmen of this United side while Kieffer Moore’s 350+ senior league appearances mark him out as another obvious figurehead as the Blades look to return to the top-flight at the first attempt.

"We took the average age down to the second youngest in the division but in that, there has to be that sprinkling of Souttars and Anels and Kieffer Moores," said Wilder after Sunday’s derby victory. "We had to put some energy into it from the academy and some more personality as well. This is why we talk about the importance of Kieffer, the importance of Souttar. They go away with the national team all the time and they come back and do the right things. They don't shortcut anything, and they're top pros."

While many of United’s players - and indeed their manager - were celebrating victory over Wednesday on Sunday night, and rightly so, Souttar was on the way to the airport ahead of another long flight to join up with the Australia squad for their World Cup qualifiers over Saudi Arabia and Bahrain over the international break. "The process for H is one he's used to,” Wilder added.

“His performances have been outstanding and the contribution he's making to the team is brilliant – off the pitch as well with his experience. He's a big personality for us and certainly a big player."