"Hope we can hold on" - Sheffield United: Bramall Lane stance on "incredible talent" clear | OneFootball

The youngster has been Chris Wilder's captain this season, despite only having his breakthrough season in 2023/24.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sheffield United have embraced the challenge of the Championship following their return to the division after relegation from the Premier League last season.

It's been an excellent start to the campaign for Chris Wilder's side, and they look to be in strong contention for an automatic promotion finish if the first three months of 2024/25 are anything to go by.

While their first two defeats of the season against Leeds United and Middlesbrough threatened to derail their positive start, the Blades have been in fine form since and there is a great sense of excitement surrounding Bramall Lane currently.

Sheffield United's squad is filled to the brim with talent across the pitch and few in the Championship can boast one with the same level of quality. It is this quality that has pushed them towards the top of the league before the festive period, and they are in a very favourable position as the games start to come thick and fast.

Verdict made on Sheffield United's best player

Wilder's return to S2 was one that had a mixed reaction following his departure in March 2021, however, he has won over those fans who perhaps had some doubts over his appointment earlier this year.

While his managerial nous should be praised, he is blessed with an excellent team, one that will cause debate among supporters over which player in the squad is the best currently. Football League World has pitched that question to their Sheffield United Fan Pundit, Jimmy from Blades Ramble.

He told FLW: "There's a few that I could point out to be honest and make strong arguments about, but the biggest turnaround has been Vini Souza. A lot of us last season didn't see a lot of value in Souza, but he has quickly become one of, if not our most important player this year in terms of the impact he's had on games. How we've missed him when he's not been available.

"I think he's not turned up for only one game potentially this year, he could have been the man of the match for most games.

"Michael Cooper is also in with a shout. I don't think it can be underestimated how much confidence a strong goalkeeper gives your backline, and he has played a huge part in our 10 clean sheets in 15 games.

"Harry Souttar I would also acknowledge, Gus Hamer, in terms of his output, has probably been the most eye-catching in terms of numbers, but I think Oliver Arblaster has been our best player. There's probably a little bit of sentimentality and a little bit of bias going into that because he's a born Blade, but he can do a little bit of everything."

Jimmy continued: "He’s the captain, the way he transitions play and changes the tempo, the way he can change direction. He can put his foot on the ball and calm play down, but he can also get us moving at a tempo that dictates the game.

"I just think he's an incredible talent and I hope we can hold on to him because he's going to be key to our success in the short term."

Arblaster has been superb for Sheffield United

The rise that Arblaster has had in the last year has been fantastic, with the midfielder starting his 2023/24 season on loan in League One with Port Vale.

However, by the time January came about, he had been recalled by his parent club, who were looking for new options after a torrid first half of the campaign.

While it took a few weeks for the 20-year-old to make his Premier League debut, when he was handed it, he never looked back, becoming a key member of the squad over the course of the final 12 games.

Since then, Arblaster has played a role in nearly all of Sheffield United's games, although he did miss three due to injury in September.

The Blades' captain was the 12th youngest player to make his Premier League debut for the Blades back in March, and while it may have been seen as a risk at the time, Wilder's decision paid off. Few have had an impact in such a short space of time like Arblaster, and he will be hoping to lift the Championship title with his boyhood club in May.