Why John Fleck has done well to commit his future at Sheffield United

According to the Yorkshire Post, Sheffield United midfielder John Fleck has signed a new deal that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2023.

The Scottish midfielder, 28, joined Sheffield United in 2016 after spending four seasons with Coventry City. He played a crucial role in the Blades’ promotion to the Premier League last year, racking up 45 appearances in the Championship.

John Fleck has been a standout performer for United this term, scoring five goals in 24 top-flight appearances. He has been vital behind the Yorkshire club’s form, with Chris Wilder’s men just a single point off 5th-placed Manchester United.

The Blades have performed very well under Chris Wilder in the Premier League and remain in the hunt for a European spot. As evident from a defensive record of 25 goals conceded in 27 games so far, stability at the back has been one of the hallmarks of United’s brilliant run in the top-flight. The forwards have also done their job well, with midfielders also richly contributing to the cause.

Fleck’s contributions from the middle of the park simply cannot be ignored. He has scored five goals and registered two assists, a healthy return from a central midfielder, who in his career has never before scored more than four goals in one single campaign.

The Scotsman is an asset to United, a true professional with experience of the highest order. The fact he has played over 400 games in his club career shows the experience Fleck possesses.

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Last season, the Scotsman made 45 appearances in the Championship. In the 2017/18 campaign, he made 41 appearances and prior to that, he made 44 League One appearances. That speaks volumes about Fleck’s fitness levels and commitment to the team’s cause.

At the age of 28, the ex-Rangers man is currently operating at the peak of his career and United have done a wise job by securing his future at the club.

Verdict

United will need new signings next season and Wilder must look to keep his core group together. Fleck, then, is certainly a part of that core group of players. His presence and experience have been valuable for the Yorkshire outfit over the last couple of seasons. Thus, a new deal is a deserved one for the Scotland international.