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Sheffield United signing this 30-year-old veteran would transform their midfield

Why Sheffield United must go for Jonathan Hogg in January

Back in June, the Scottish Sun had claimed that Sheffield United were interested in signing Huddersfield Town midfielder Jonathan Hogg. However, a deal didn’t go through during the summer transfer window.

Jonathan Hogg, 30, joined Huddersfield in 2013 and played a key role in the club’s fairytale return to the top-flight in 2017 under former manager David Wagner, who left the club in January by mutual consent.

The midfielder helped the Terriers retain their Premier League status in the 2017/18 campaign but couldn’t prevent the club from getting relegated last season.

Back in the Championship, Huddersfield are currently 19th in the table after 16 games. Hogg has played in every game so far, quietly doing his business in the middle of the park.

With the 30-year-old performing well in the second-tier of English football, Sheffield United must reignite their interest in him during the January transfer window.

Jonathan Hogg in action for Huddersfield Town. (Getty Images)
Jonathan Hogg in action for Huddersfield Town. (Getty Images)

Sheffield United are enjoying a superb campaign under Chris Wilder, who has got them up into the European places. They’re unbeaten on the road this term and have the fifth-best away record in the entire division. Only Manchester City have kept as many as their five clean sheets.

The breakout star of this campaign, John Lundstram only started just five games in the entirety of 2018/19 Championship campaign. Now, the midfielder is an integral part of Wilder’s starting XI, forming a strong midfield pairing with the likes of Oliver Norwood and John Fleck.

Currently, Muhamed Besic, who signed for the Blades on loan from Everton, is the only defensive midfielder available to Wilder.

Besic has been out of the team for a long time due to an injury and has made just one appearance. That’s when Jonathan Hogg can be seen as a useful addition in this position.

Sheffield United's John Lundstram in action. (Getty Images)
Sheffield United’s John Lundstram in action. (Getty Images)

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Hogg naturally plays as a defensive midfielder, known for his robust tackling and interception skills.

As per WhoScored.com, the 30-year-old has averaged 2.5 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and 0.7 blocks in the Championship this season. Plus, the Middlesbrough-born star’s experience could come handy for the Blades’ side.

Verdict

If Sheffield United are to surprise the onlookers by achieving a top-eight finish, they’ll need some quality additions in January. And bringing in Hogg from Huddersfield would be a step in the right direction.