Adam Bate examines the outstanding impact of the Blades’ new acquisition Gustavo Hamer and explains why he could be the key to remaining in the Premier League, both with and without the ball, with the help of rare insight from Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom.
Although Sheffield United’s return to the Premier League has been marred by a winless start, there have been some standout moments. Their £15 million acquisition of Gustavo Hamer from Coventry gives them hope that they have what it takes to survive.
On his Premier League debut, Hamer scored a spectacular goal against Nottingham Forest. He also put up a lot of effort in a close loss to Manchester City and was crucial against Everton at home, setting up Cameron Archer with the game’s best pass for the second goal.
Hard work and quality are undoubtedly going to be two important factors for Sheffield United. Hamer has demonstrated both in spades. The Dutchman, who was born in Brazil, has personality in his play, which Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom first noticed in him years ago.
He remembers seeing one of Hamer’s early Coventry appearances with a coworker. I expressed my desire to collaborate with him. He is persistent. He constantly moves. He is prepared to make things happen, daring enough to seize the initiative, and unafraid to risk losing the ball.
Excellent work on the hooked pass to Archer. The striker’s shot, which deflected off Jordan Pickford for an own goal, does not count as his first assist while wearing a Sheffield United jersey, but it showed his ability to invent. Although the pass was undetected, he had a photo.
For a squad attempting to rebuild their assault while adjusting to a higher level after the sale of star man Iliman Ndiaye, that ability to create will be essential. Risk-taker Hamer is occasionally left without possessions in deeper locations. He can’t be deterred, though.
Heckingbottom tells Sky Sports, “I do not want any fear in the players. “I’m not upset if we lose the ball. If someone is unwilling to take the initiative, that bothers me. You only become an issue for us if you refuse to pick up the pace.
