RYAN STILL PLAYING CATCH-UP
CHRIS Wilder believes Sheffield United are finally getting the credit they deserve for a super first season back in the Premier League.
The Blades were written off as relegation certs after winning promotion last May to end their 12-year exile from the top flight.
But they have confounded the critics by shooting into the top six, pushing for a place in the Europa League.
And bossWilder’s men have gathered some high-profile fans along the way with their exciting and imaginative style of play.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Tottenham boss
Jose Mourinho and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp are all huge admirers of the Wilder way.
Klopp even admitted: “I didn’t know Chris before we played his team, but now I follow Sheffield United.
“When you look at where they have come from it’s an amazing story and I have so much admiration for them.”
Wilder is proud of the plaudits that are being thrown his side’s way.
He said: “We couldn’t do anything about what people thought about us at the start of the season, but I’m really pleased to receive opinions now.
“I’d rather they talk positively because of the performances we are putting in and the results we are achieving.
“We have done fantastically well, but fortunes change quickly in football, so our focus is to remain humble and honest in our approach.”
WHEN SPURS visit Stamford Bridge today, Ryan Sessegnon will be among friends reunited.
The 19-year-old winger played alongside the likes of Blues midfielder Mason Mount and striker Tammy Abraham at the Under-21 European Championships last summer.
Yet while their Premier League careers have taken off this season with Chelsea, Sessegnon has been left on the runway because of injury.
“It’s been good for Tammy and Mason,” said Sessegnon. “They are doing well and I’m happy for them.
“It’s neck and neck between us and Chelsea to get that fourth place at the moment. So we’ll be looking to go there and win the game, obviously, and hoping they drop more points.
“When you look at what Mason and Tammy have have done so far this year, you see that they are fantastic young players.At the Euros I played alongside them, Phil Foden, James Maddison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
“You could say there’s a little bit of ‘it could have been me’ when I see the way they’ve kicked on this season, but everything happens for a reason.
“I’m going to stay positive and try not to put too much pressure on myself as I’ve done before.”
Sessegnon arrived at Spurs as a bigmoney signing last summer but was injured until November and has made just six Premier League appearances and 11 in all competitions.
“The spotlight was on me purely because of my age,” he said. “I’d become the youngest scorer in the Championship. From then, everyone is looking to see what you do on and off the pitch. That comes with its own pressure. Then there’s the pressure you put on yourself.
“But I would say I was mentally strong – mature for my age as well. That’s down to my upbringing, My parents always taught me to stay positive, calm. To remember where I’d come from. Not to put too much pressure on myself.”
Dele Alli, another huge hit after stepping up from MK Dons, has taken Sessegnon under his wing, helping the teenager with the increased profile.
“He was young when he came to
Spurs as well.” said Sessegnon. “He was chucked into a team and did very, very well. So it just makes sense for him to help me out. I appreciate everything he has done.”
The youngster also cites Gareth Bale, Ashley Cole and Luke Shaw as role models. But while Sessegnon has big shoes to fill, he will give himself as much time as he needs to do it.