'I am sure he will' – Sheffield United boss lays down challenge to youngster amid transfer rumours

Chris Wilder on transfer rumours regarding Oli Arblaster

Speaking to The Star, ahead of the Chelsea game, Wilder addressed these rumours.

“He’s just at the start. I’ve said it all along, I’d rather people said good things about him and look and believe he is a good player and is going to be an even better player. I’d rather that opinion be about him than the other. He has to deal with it, and we have to deal with it.

“The first part of it is getting up to train with the first team or being available for the first team group. Getting in the first team is the next hurdle and then staying there now and a regular in our team is the challenge he’s got to face. I am sure he will, and he will succeed in it.”

Oli Arblaster running the Sheffield United midfielder

Arblaster has been excellent since being intergrated into the starting eleven for the away trip to Bournemouth before the international break. He followed that up with another strong showing against Fulham.

The boyhood Blade once again ended the game with the best pass completion rate out of any other United player. And he was very much the architect of United’s third goal after executing a wonderful Ronaldo chop in midfield to evade multiple Fulham players.

We also saw Arblaster get his first taste of an away game against an elite club in Liverpool on Thursday evening. Although it wasn’t a standout performance, as you’d expect, I was impressed with the fact the 20-year-old did not shy away from the ball a single time. Even despite the Liverpool press being relentless all over the pitch. And once more, the youngster finished the match having completed the most passes in a Blades shirt. That makes it three consecutive games where he’s either had the best pass completion percentage, or completed the highest number of passes on the team.

Arblaster to continue his fine form for Sheffield United against Chelsea

Speaking in his press conference ahead of a crucial encounter against Chelsea at Bramall Lane, Wilder added: “He’s had a great start to his career, we’re delighted for him. The Sheffield United academy can take great credit for the work they’ve done with him and now its up to us to help and develop him.” After a trip to Anfield against arguably one of the best presses in football, Arblaster won’t have it much easier on Sunday afternoon where he will face off against two central midfielders with a combined transfer value of almost £250 million in Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.