Tom Davies: A Unique Sheffield United Player | OneFootball

Tom Davies has now played 25 games for Sheffield United. After joining on a free under Paul Heckingbottom in 2023. Despite this, his presence in the team still feels like a new signing. One that will be important for the remainder of the playoff campaign.

Sheffield United have a strong lead following the first leg of their semi-final against Bristol City and players like Davies will be crucial on seeing the Blades through to Wembley. Especially, given Sydie Peck’s yellow card in the first leg making a full 90 for the youngster risky.

Tom Davies’ Season so far

Tom Davies’ 2024-2025 season didn’t begin until late November with a two minute cameo against Oxford United at Bramall Lane.

His next game saw him return from his lengthy time out injured with a bang. Davies came on in the 76th minute at Bramall Lane on 29 November against Sunderland. Seven minutes later Davies took his goal perfectly as he wriggled through four players and determinedly slotted home on the slide. At what was a crucial three points at the time.

Possibly his most important contribution to the Blades this season was his availability over the winter period. From 11 December to 18 January as the Blades battled a sizeable injury crisis. Alongside Sydie Peck, Davies played eight games playing almost ninety minutes in six of those eight games. With the Blades picking up 16 points from a possible 24 during that period.

The groundwork put in by Tom Davies and Sydie Peck allowed the Blades to ride the difficult tides until reinforcements in the way of Hamza Choudhury and a recovered Vinicius Souza could arrive. With Tom Davies forced away again in the last couple of months as a result of another unfortunate injury.

The Unique Blade

Whilst, Sheffield United have many brilliant players, many of which deserve another crack at the top flight.

Tom Davies is a Premier League player. With 164 Premier League appearances for Everton and 11 goal contributions. The 26-year-old is set for his prime, one we hope will be free of his previous injury woes.

Davies has proven when available that he can make a difference for the Blades. On Monday night, his 23 minutes against Bristol City showcase his class further.

Before analysing his stats, Davies from viewing alone played with an unmatched confidence. When receiving the ball and then distributing it Davies effortlessly helped the Blades to confirm their 3-0 win.

He made 21 passes finishing with a 95% pass accuracy. He also created one big chance and made just 22 touches making his passing accuracy more impressive. As he didn’t keep the ball longer than necessary. He completed his one long ball in the match proving he isn’t just about playing safe passes.

If he is offered more game time on Monday, a more likely possibility given Sydie Peck’s yellow last time out. Davies will have the chance to showcase his ability over a longer period.

An asset on and off the pitch

Tom Davies’ move to Sheffield United must have been a strange one for the midfielder. The first club that wasn’t his boyhood Everton. Following last season’s difficult time for the club in the Premier League and his spells out injured. It would have been easy for Davies to hide away and perhaps wait to be moved on.

But both on and off the pitch, Davies has carried himself admirably. A top professional on the pitch not shirking the responsibility of being a squad player when given the chance to leave his role of waiting in the wings.

Off the pitch, he has been the perfect role model for supporters and his fellow professionals. Speaking openly about his difficulties with injuries and the impact it had on his mental health. Davies has earnt respect for both his playing efforts and his attitude towards topics affecting many Blades who support him at Bramall Lane.

Takeaways

Tom Davies is a crucial asset in the Blades bid to end the playoff heartbreak that has plagued the club. He is certainly one of the better options for the Blades coming off the bench. As his composure to see a game out can be as important as a goal from one of the Blades’ forwards.

Another factor is that should the Blades get through to the final at Wembley. A fate that still relies on a good performance on Monday. Davies is the only Blades’ player to score against Sunderland, the potential final opponent.

Whether, the Blades manage playoff glory or not, Davies will be an important member of the Blades’ squad next season regardless of the division.