David McGoldrick is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League this season, having scored 15 times during the Blades’ promotion-winning campaign. But to claim he is underperforming would be to completely misinterpret his contribution to Sheffield United’s scintillating top-flight campaign so far.
The former Ipswich striker is the focal point of Chris Wilder’s side, and their aim in possession is to get the ball up to McGoldrick as quickly as possible. With the ball at his feet, the striker can then hold up play and feed teammates breaking beyond him from all areas, as the wing-backs, centre-backs and central midfielders are instructed to burst forward. The Republic of Ireland international’s task is to facilitate bringing the players around him into the game, and he did so exquisitely against Aston Villa to assist John Fleck.
Having just two assists to his name this term does not tell the full story of McGoldrick’s role in the Blade’s side either. He is the playmaker, dropping in between the opposition midfield and defence to allow teammates to create attacking scenarios. Statistically, the Irishman has adapted to life in the Premier League well, he is still having more than two shots per game and is playing the same number of key passes. Meanwhile, his dribbles are up, and he is being caught offside less than during the promotion campaign.
The striker is also desperately unfortunate not to have opened his scoring account after he had a goal ruled out by a VAR intervention against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this season. His manager revealed he has been working hard outside of games, taking extra finishing sessions and it feels inevitable a first Premier League goal will arrive.
At first glance, it appears McGoldrick is falling further behind strike partner and Sheffield United top scorer Lys Mousset, who has five goals. But in reality, it is the 31-year-old’s unselfish play which is allowing his teammates to flourish.
