Sheffield United required extra time but overcame a resilient Reading side in the FA Cup on Tuesday evening 2-1. The result sees Chris Wilder’s squad through to the sixth round of the competition they have not won in almost a century and means the Blades are now just two games away from visiting Wembley Stadium.
On the night against Reading, while some struggled to overcome their robust opponents, Luke Freeman was majestic in midfield and helped ensure his side’s progression with an assist for Billy Sharp’s extra-time winner.
In attacking scenarios Freeman was the man transitioning the ball upfield most frequently for Sheffield United, the Englishman attempted 38 passes with a 94.7 per cent completion rate, along with attempting 12 crosses, four of which were accurate, as per WhoScored. The 27-year-old central midfielder retained possession phenomenally and scarcely allowed the opposition an opportunity to turn over the ball while still creating and playing the cross which assisted the winner. To cement his supreme creative influence, Freeman also played two key passes, the most of any visiting player.
Freeman’s outstanding contribution did not end there, the Englishman took on one shot which was on target, dribbled around opponents on three occasions, along with being fouled a further three times, as per WhoScored. Reading were forced to resort to chopping Freeman down after he had completed more dribbles than any other player for Sheffield United, as they could not stop his attacking abilities using conventional means.
To round off what was an incredible performance in all areas of the pitch, Freeman completed three tackles and two interceptions, with only Ben Osborn making more combined tackles and interceptions, eight, than Freeman’s five, as per WhoScored. The 27-year-old got back amongst his defence to protect the five-man backline from any impending danger from the opposition when he could.
Freeman displayed an incredible commitment to Sheffield United’s cause throughout the match and Wilder will have taken note. There is every possibility this outstanding performance could see the central midfielder add to his three Premier League starts this season and rack up further appearances in the following round of the FA Cup.
