Why a new deal for Oliver Norwood is a step in the right direction by Sheffield United
According to Yorkshire Live, midfielder Oliver Norwood has committed his future to Sheffield United by signing a new three-year contract.
The 29-year-old’s contract with the Blades was due to expire this summer. However, the new deal will tie him down at Bramall Lane until 2023. Norwood has followed in the footsteps of club captain Billy Sharp, who has also committed his future to the club until 2022, as per the report.
Despite being with the club for just two seasons, Norwood has also captained the side in Sharp’s absence and the midfielder has played a significant role under Chris Wilder since his arrival from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer of 2018.
Norwood’s consistency is key to Sheffield United’s midfield
He is currently one of the senior players in the squad with over 400 career appearances. His experience would be a massive boost for Wilder’s squad for a few more years.
Norwood has featured in 74 games since his move to Bramall Lane, racking up 6 goals and 9 assists in the process. He has mainly featured as a defensive midfielder throughout the 2019/20 campaign.
Last season, he notched up 3 goals and 9 assists and played a key role in helping the Blades get promoted to the Premier League.
The Irishman’s contribution to the game goes beyond goals and assists. He is essentially the glue that holds the team together. The fact that Norwood has started in all of Sheffield United’s league games before the suspension of the game speaks volumes of his importance in the middle of the park.
Chris Wilder’s midfield trio consists of John Fleck, John Lundstram and Norwood. Fleck and Lundstram are mainly attack-oriented and they have contributed with 9 goals and 5 assists together. Whereas, Norwood acts as the balance in the midfield, whilst also occasionally acting as a playmaker.
Norwood’s experience and the balance he brings, makes him a vital part of Sheffield United’s game. He has been a key member in the Blades’ rise to the top this season and his longevity in the squad could help them reach greater heights.
Thus, the Blades’ decision to extend his contract, by all means, looks like a step in the right direction.
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Verdict
The 57-cap Northern Ireland international has been consistent since joining Sheffield United and grown into a key player for the Blades. He has proven his mettle as a reliable midfielder and the Blades have done the best thing in extending his contract.
