Why Sheffield United should sign Nathaniel Chalobah on loan from Watford

According to a report from the Watford Observer, Sheffield United and Norwich City are interested in signing Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah on loan this summer.

Nathaniel Chalobah, 24, joined Watford from Chelsea two summers ago having enjoyed a successful loan spell at Vicarage Road during the 2012/13 campaign but has failed to nail down a regular place in the team.

He has slipped down the pecking order at the club, with the 24-year-old restricted to 13 appearances last season, due in large part to the form of Etienne Capoue and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

The one-cap England international needs to buy regular time on the pitch to unlock his true potential. That doesn’t seem to be happening at Watford due to the presence of Doucoure and Capoue.

With that in mind, it is in the best interest of Chalobah to leave the Hornets on a temporary loan spell this summer and Sheffield United could be the ideal destination for him.

The Blades are preparing for their first season in the Premier League in 12 years and despite bringing in eight new players this summer, and breaking their transfer record four times in the process, Chris Wilder is eyeing further reinforcements before Thursday’s deadline.

The United boss’ interest in Chalobah means he isn’t quite satisfied with the options he has got in midfield so far.

In the middle of the park, John Fleck and Oliver Norwood mightily impressed last season and are expected to be heavily involved in the Premier League.

John Lundstram and new signing Ben Osborn are the only other midfield options behind them, so it makes complete sense for Wilder to bring in Chalobah on loan at Bramall Lane.

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Chalobah is a central midfielder by trade but he can also play at centre-back. He has decent pace in his locker which helps him complete some darting runs from the midfield.

The Englishman can also distribute the ball accurately at the middle of the park and can create chances for others around him. The 24-year-old does boast physical strength which helps him win aerial duels in midfield.

Verdict

The ex-Chelsea starlet’s addition will undeniably improve the overall depth of Wilder’s squad at Bramall Lane. However, Chalobah has still not proven his worth to justify a regular starting berth at Sheffield United. So, the Blades will need to be patient with him and use him well next season.