Why Sheffield United would strike gold by offering fresh terms to John Lundstram
According to journalist James Shield (h/t The Star), newly-promoted Sheffield United are set to open contract talks with their in-form midfielder John Lundstram.
Despite having just seven months left on his contract, the defensive midfielder has played a crucial role in manager Chris Wilder’s squad.
After a hiatus of 12 years, the Blades are back in the Premier League with a bang. They are 5th on the table and are placed above regional powerhouses such as Manchester United, Tottenham and Everton.
For all their exploits in recent times, Wilder truly owes it to his batch of players who accompanied him from the Championship and Lundstram is one of the key members.
Fine form
Lundstram has been in fine form for his side, netting three times while also contributing with an assist. The Englishman is a joint top-scorer for the club alongside summer signing Lys Mousset, who plays as a striker.
He was instrumental in Sheffield’s last home game against Burnley as he scored a brace to earn his side a victory after a 1-1 draw against West Ham in the game before.
Fighter
His recent exploits in the top-flight have made him an integral part of Wilder’s squad but that was not the case just a year ago.
From someone who managed to appear in just five league games in the Championship, he has worked his way into the Blades squad and cemented a spot for himself.
Growth
In two years’ time, Lundstram has improved his pass success rate by 4%. His initial season at Sheffield witnessed 80.9% but now, it reads 84%.
The 25-year old has evolved over time and grown into a mature passer of the ball. Lundstram has averaged 4.1 long balls per game, which was a mere 3.3 in 2017-18.
In just two years, the Sheffield midfielder has improved his overall abilities in the middle and it voices the story of a hard-working player with a will to improve.
Verdict
With his contract expiring at the end of the season and the Englishman popping up with some decent displays over the time, the club must avoid letting the midfielder go for free.
Hence, it is no doubt that they must grant the defensive midfielder an extension at Bramall Lane.
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Thus, the Blades offering their midfielder a new deal is, by all means, a reasonable move.