Why Sheffield United are absolutely right in extending Enda Stevens’ contract until 2023
According to the Irish Sun, defender Enda Stevens has penned a new contract with Sheffield United, committing his future to the club until 2023.
Stevens, 29, joined Aston Villa from Shamrock Rovers in 2012 and managed only seven top-flight appearances for the Midlands club. He struggled to establish himself at the club and spent time on loan at Notts County, Doncaster Rovers and Northampton Town.
The Republic of Ireland international spent two seasons with Portsmouth before joining the Blades in 2017. He helped Sheffield United gain promotion to the Premier League last year and has played an integral role in Chris Wilder’s side as they have established themselves as a top-tier side this season.
The report adds Stevens has been rewarded with improved terms for being one of his club’s top performers since their promotion to the Premier League.
Sheffield United have enjoyed their return to the top-flight after more than a decade’s absence. They are seventh in the table, five points below fourth-placed Chelsea, with a game in hand.
Chris Wilder’s side boast of the second-best defensive record in the division, conceding only 25 goals in 28 games. That is only four more goals conceded than league leaders Liverpool. As evident from their fantastic defensive record, stability at the back has been one of the hallmarks of the Blades’ fantastic run in the top-flight this season.
The United boss has used the same back-three of Jack O’Connell, Chris Basham and John Egan in almost all of their fixtures so far. Wing-backs George Baldock and Enda Stevens have played every single game in the top-flight. Both Baldock and Stevens have been integral to the Blades’ success.
Speaking about Stevens, he has registered two goals and as many assists in 28 league games this season. He has excelled in the left wing-back role for the Blades and has become a permanent fixture in the Ireland defence over the course of the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign. Truly, he has established himself as one of the first names on Wilder’s team sheet.
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Stevens hasn’t looked back since helping United to promotion, and not only he has successfully made his transition to the top-flight over the six months or so but he has established himself as one of the best wing-backs in the division.
Verdict
The Dublin-born star’s experience of playing close to 400 games in his club career makes him an invaluable asset for United.
To put things into perspective, Stevens continues to be a key figure at Bramall Lane and the club have done a good job by rewarding him with a new deal.
