Why Jack Rodwell has already proved his worth at Sheffield United - and could be set for a key role during five critical games

Wednesday’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers will be the seventh match Wilder’s side has played in 22 days since English football returned to action following the Covid-19 pandemic, with another four set to follow between now and the end of the month.

Rodwell, who joined United as a free agent earlier this term, made his first top-flight appearance since May 2017 towards the end of last weekend’s draw with Burnley - replacing Chris Basham five minutes before John Egan scored a spectacular equaliser.

Despite primarily being known as a midfielder, the former England international’s defensive qualities prompted Wilder to offer him a route back into the game after leaving Blackburn Rovers at the end of last term.

Given the United manager’s preference for a three man rearguard, and the fact two of those centre-halves are expected to help build attacks, Rodwell appears perfectly suited to performing the role should Basham need a rest or becomes unavailable for selection.

“He’s been good and he did good,” Wilder said, reflecting upon Rodwell’s performance at Turf Moor and explaining the circumstances behind his introduction. “He has had to be patient because Bash has played in that position but there were quite a few that tired late on.”

“He has played as a midfield player, and then we went to a diamond,” Wilder added. “It was a positive performance from us overall, even though there were times when we could have done with a little bit more quality. But given the work the lads have put in, perhaps that should have been expected.

“What we didn’t lack, though, was any heart and that was great to see."

Despite only turning 29 at the beginning of lockdown, Rodwell’s career had reached a crossroads when he arrived in South Yorkshire six months ago. Following a controversial spell in Sunderland - where Wilder has suggested a lucrative contract made him a convenient patsy for those looking to divert the blame for their own financial mistakes - Rodwell opted to explore the possibility of a move to AS Roma rather than agree a new contract with Rovers. When a switch to Italy failed to materialise, he was invited to train with United at the Steelphalt Academy; accepting a short-term deal which was later extended to cover the revised fixture schedule.

Although Wilder has yet to take a final decision on Rodwell’s future at Bramall Lane, his willingness to stay put rather than pursue opportunities elsewhere will not have gone unnoticed by coaching staff. Richairo Zivkovic, signed on loan from Changchun Yatai, has also elected to remain with United beyond the terms of his original deal and is set to be named in the squad which faces Wolves.

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