John Lundstram may have been forgiven for feeling slightly nervous after Chris Wilder signed Sander Berge in the January transfer window. With both players playing in the same position, the arrival of the Blades’ most expensive player surely threatened Lundstram’s spot.
But with the player being substituted into the game after Wilder brought Berge off in the 61st minute, the Liverpudlian wasted no time in proving to the manager that he still deserved a spot in the team. In the 84th minute, Lundstram scored the game’s winning goal. However, these fans reckon that his overall performance was worthy of applause. They think that Berge’s signing has inspired a spark of rejuvenation from Lundstram, while others believe that it is his shirt to lose.
Absolutely delighted for Lundstrum, had his nose put out of joint with the Berge signing. Comes off the bench with a bit of quality like that.
— Tom Eyre (@TomEyre78) February 9, 2020
Berge has got a real battle on his hands for that shirt…
Lunny edging it for me— Todd (@Todd81251440) February 9, 2020
Wilder just said we bought players in to improve the existing players. Lunny was great. Berge still finding his feet and oace of the game i feel.
— Oliver (@olicastle) February 9, 2020
Regardless of the goal scored, but Sander Berge’s performance was very quite and average; I still don’t see the value that he adds over Lundstram
So its a 50 50 depending on Wilder’s favorite choice— Hail (@Hail19386869) February 9, 2020
Lundstrams celebration for the goal says it all. He’s challenging Wilder to play him instead of £22m Berge – love to see it. #Sufc #twitterblades
— ?Q?u?a?c?k? (@S66Quack) February 9, 2020
Have we spent £22m on Berge or Lunny he has been absolutely superb last 2 games coming off the bench. Competition brings improvements from others in the squad. Lunny stepped up big time #TwitterBlades
— Paul Bramall (@PaulBramall1) February 9, 2020
Berge needs easing into it but when Lundstram was being subbed ON I was positive about it as he knows the system and plays it well that’s how times have changed! He is a top player for us!
— Liam J (@liamj1889) February 9, 2020
Improved all round 2nd half, and scrapped well in difficult conditions. Pleased for Lundstram, who probably deserves a start again while Berge settles into the club. Henderson once again with a crucial save – key moment at 1-1 #sufc
— Joseph Clift (@josephclift) February 9, 2020
Berge was an inspired signing – Lundstram is now better than ever!! #sufc #twitterblades
— MisterEath (@JonathanJHeath) February 9, 2020
Who deserves to start?
Lundstram
Berge
What do we think?
If Lundstram, who is valued at £5.4 million (as per Transfermarkt), reacts to Berge’s signing by putting in more consistent shifts each week, then it could be the best-case scenario for Wilder. The manager will almost certainly enjoy having to pick between an in-form 25-year-old and a young starlet. Who knows, perhaps Wilder will find a way of fitting them both into the team?