[ad_pod ]
Recent reports have linked Sheffield United with a move for Birmingham City midfielder Jota Peleteiro.
The Spaniard has been out of sorts for a couple of seasons now, but there may not be a better place for him to recapture his best form which saw him gain many admirers during his time at Brentford.
The silky dribbler has only scored three goals this term, but his 11 assists show more of what he is capable of.
His strike tally from his time at Birmingham isn’t representative of what the 27-year-old is capable of. During his time at Brentford, he hit double figures in terms of goals in two separate campaigns, and there is no reason he can’t recapture that form at Bramall Lane.
The technician’s poor returns since his move to St Andrew’s has been attributed to his move to the right side of midfield. The consensus has been that Peleteiro is wasted out on the flank as during the most effective periods of his career he was playing through the middle.
In Chris Wilder’s 5-2-1-2 system, Jota would be able to return to the position in which he thrives most.
He would step into Mark Duffy’s current spot excellently and with the attacking style that the Blades play he would be able to recapture the type of form which saw him hit 12 goals in a Championship season.
Sheffield United’s current situation is not too dissimilar to Brentford’s when Jota was there. They will be outmatched in terms of personnel in most games, but they will still try to play a brand of stylish and expansive football.
Wilder has also had the golden touch when it comes to resurrecting under-performing players’ careers. David McGoldrick game to the Yorkshire club as a washed up striker who had just been released by Ipswich. He then went on to win their Player of the Year award and scored 15 goals as the Blades were promoted.
If Jota can get the same injection of rejuvenation under the tutelage of the 51-year-old, then the Steel City side may be about to pick up one of the most underrated and underutilised talents in the country.
