It’s safe to say Sheffield United fans are not happy right now, and the fact that one former player has moved on and is excelling at his new club will not help matters.
Chris Wilder is out. Ruben Selles is in. Sheffield United have undergone a significant metamorphosis this summer, and the results do not appear to be encouraging.
Sheffield United has had the worst start to a season in 30 years, with four defeats in four games, and fans are in uproar. They’ll be even more dissatisfied to see that one Sheffield United player who left the club this summer has settled in quickly at his new club.
Anel Ahmedhodzic makes impressive start to Feyenoord career
We speculated that Kieffer Moore’s departure was a disappointment for United, but it’s now evident that Anel Ahmedhodzic has left the largest void in the Blades’ roster.
The Bosnian international has now played five games for Feyenoord since signing for £7 million earlier this summer, and he’s getting fantastic reviews. Bosnian football specialist Bosniaco was thrilled by the huge centre-back’s last performance, writing on Twitter/X: “Anel Ahmedhodzic (and his CB partner) are now pretty much the largest weekly discussion point at Feyenoord among Dutch pundits. At the heart of the second goal is a proactive interception. He’s playing so well here, both offensively and defensively.”
Bosniaco predicted a month ago that Ahmedhodzic would be an ideal match for Feyenoord’s system under Robin Van Persie. He earlier stated, “I am certain that Anel Ahmedhodzic and Feyenoord will be a success story. The way Van Persie quickly trusted him and talked about him is encouraging, and the team itself seems like a good fit. “Watanabe’s calm temperament at the back allows Ahmedhodžić to play his aggressive style while keeping risks limited.” He’s also playing on his preferred side, which helps him keep possession.
Statistics Anel Ahmedhodzic 25/26
Games 5
Minutes 450
Assists 1
Pass success 89.9%
Tackles won/90 0.67
Clearances/90 5.67
Interceptions/90 1.00
Touches/90 70.3
Data via FBRef
“His debut against Fenerbahçe was solid, but not his best. But I believe this is finally the atmosphere in which he will begin to flourish.”
That £7 million price tag could end up being a steal for Feyenoord, and Sheffield United will undoubtedly regret allowing their star defender to leave so easily.
Selles and Sheffield United will now look to Japhet Tanganga and fellow newcomer Ben Mee to fill the vacuum in the Blades’ defence. However, United’s problems this season have not been limited to defensive areas. They’ve appeared lacking of imagination and coherence throughout the park, and Selles is hesitant to change his system at all.
With so many new players joining, you’d expect and plan for a period of adjustment. Sheffield United cannot currently afford such luxuries. Keeping Gus Hamer on deadline day was huge for Sheffield United, but if they don’t improve immediately, he’ll be itching to depart and become another star who leaves the Blades disappointed.
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