SHARPENING OF THE BLADES

A t the outset of the season, despite drawing the attention of the mainstream media for their innovative approach to the game…Sheffield United were the bookies favourite for relegation. Yet they took to the Premier League in the most spectacular way as demonstrated by their position at the table, currently at number 8 but at one stage knocking on the door of the Champions League.

In today's topic, we will give you some unique insights about their oft-discussed tactical framework, their playing squad and Chris Wilder's man-management. We will conclude with a discussion of how Sheffield can build upon their success from this season and what we would expect to see next season from a tactical perspective.

TACTICAL FRAMEWORK

DEFENSIVE STRATEGY

Defensively, Sheffield United utilise a 5-3-2 formations with 2 wing-backs tucked in to form a seemingly impenetrable 5-man backline. They do not persistently press high-up like a Liverpool or Manchester City, with their default approaching being to adopt a mid-block defensive line in the manner of a Jose Mourinho side.

Having said that, if they are up against a side which is looking to play out from the back but does so with vulnerability, they will tweak their approach and enforce the high press. One of their key micro-strategies is to ensure their opponents do not have space to work in with regards to their flanks, aggressively pressing the man on the ball in this area and forcing the player in possession to pass backwards or play uncoordinated crosses.

Wilder’s men are strong in aerial duels as shown from the stats that 9 of their players won more than 50.0% of aerial duels this season. In short, the defensive tactics they used this season are similar with the newly promoted Bundesliga side, Union Berlin; mid-block with a particular emphasis on the winning of aerial duels.

OFFENSIVE STRATEGY

Offensively, Sheffield United use a 3-5-2 formation, primarily attacking through the wing side through the medium of crosses, cutbacks, or wingbacks making inside runs to shoot from close range. The “overlapping centre-backs” tactical innovation associated with Sheffield United has undoubtedly assisted them in their offensive side of the game.

Right and left centre-backs (Primarily Chris Basham and Jack O’Connell) drift wide into the wide regions, thus providing Sheffield United with an unsurmountable numerical advantage on any given flank when on the attack. Their main focus is to disrupt the enemy’s defensive line with both players making inside or outside runs . They are also tasked with deliver raking handing crosses from deep-near the touchline.

CHEMISTRY OF THE MANAGEMENT TEAM

Chris Wilder is a man who focuses on effective football, while Alan Knill, his deputy, is the more composed and tactically profound man. Both of them have same similarities though, in terms of enthusiasm, creativity, and hard work.

Alan Knill is a name that we commonly associate with the infamous ‘Squirrel Tragedy’ - an incident where he narrowly avoided serious injuries after his bike collided with a squirrel. He is someone who is especially treasured by the manager and a man who knows Chris Wilder through and through. They played together at Southampton and then coached Bury together with Knill as the head-coach and Wilder his second-in command.

Both got separated after Wilder chose Halifax as his next stop before reuniting in Northampton Town (with their roles reversed) and then Sheffield United. Knill, is somewhat similar to Tito Villanova, the ex-manager of FC Barcelona whilst Wilder is similar to Klopp in terms of how close he is with the players and how the players’ approach to him. Knill is the technical brain of the partnership; managing the training sessions, analyzing the game and certain improvements need to be make.

TACTICAL EVOLUTION

Sheffield United need to make some improvements if they wish to breach the hegemony of the top 6. From our point-of view after watched their recent games, there are some major improvements to be made by Chris Wilder and Alan Knill. They are:

STRENGTHEN THEIR DEFENDING INSIDE PENALTY AREA

Sheffield United have formidable defensive players in their ranks in the form of Chris Basham, Jack O’Connel, Phil Jagielka and John Egan. Yet Sheffield United have conceded 21 goals inside the penalty box. The recent hattrick from Martial (Man. United)-all three goals from inside the box emphasises their shortcomings at dealing with agile ‘slippery’ strikers.

INJECT THE MIDFIELD WITH CREATIVITY

Most of Sheffield United’s midfielder have pass success percentage above 70% this season, as shown by FBRef.com. But, they aren’t creative players like De Bruyne or Bruno Fernandes. Whilst that is not a tactical necessity as evidenced by the likes of Liverpool… for the 3-5-2 tactic to have any legs in the long term it is essential they improve their creativity in their midfield line because so far Lys Mousset is the most creative player within the squad.

THE PYTHAGORAS PERSPECTIVE

In conclusion, Sheffield United’s bold tactical innovations have taken the football world by storm this season but upon closer inspection, a good old-fashioned managerial duo which combines man-management with solid technical and tactical grounding may have proved just as pivotal. If Sheffield are to remain a force to be reckoned with, they must continue to innovate and not rest on their laurels.