Sheffield United might have gone out of the FA Cup at the weekend to League One Mansfield but the news of Patrick Bamford’s contract extension should outweigh any disappointment.
The 32-year-old striker has shown he still has plenty left in the tank and the stats back that up.
He’s scored five goals in 10 league appearances (six starts) and he bagged another in the cup on Sunday. His goals scored per 90 minutes is 0.93 – nobody has a higher mark in the Championship currently.
This has clearly impacted United’s overall scoring rate. The Blades are the top scorers in the second tier over the past eight games with 19 goals.
No team has accrued more points than United in the past 10 games either and they’ve claimed a 70% share of total xG. This has enabled United to jump to fourth in the league for xG.
Manager Chris Wilder made a point of highlighting the need for a number nine upon his arrival. With Bamford secured, the results are evident.
There are still improvements to be made defensively. Only three teams have conceded more, with United having played a game fewer than most. Yet as an attacking force, the Blades are now a different animal.
It’s another example of Wilder’s ability to create an environment for individuals to excel. David McGoldrick is the best of numerous previous examples. And Bamford is the latest. The boss has a keen eye for an opportunity then making the most of it.
Having waited patiently for the right opportunity this season after a barren spell in front of goal to end his time at Leeds, the one-cap England international has now returned to the form that helped the Whites to promotion in the past.
You could argue there might not be a more impactful Championship addition during this January transfer window.
There’s still work to be done and further deals to be completed by the Blades. With Bamford leading the line though, there’s evidence United can continue to move up the table.