Sheffield United new man keen to grab opportunity after first action in nearly a month
Anis Slimane is determined to seize his moment at Sheffield United after making an almost immediate impression under new manager Chris Wilder on Saturday. After coming off the bench in the win over Brentford, the Tunisian international almost scored with his first touch, but Bees keeper Mark Flekken smothered his attempt.
Slimane had another chance for his first Premier League goal soon after, but he smacked his attempt into the side-netting; his only genuine blunder in a solid cameo that left United fans wanting to see more of him in a Blades shirt. Slimane was signed in the summer from Brondby in Denmark and played a bit-part role under Paul Heckingbottom before making his full debut in the 5-0 thrashing against Arsenal at the end of October.
Wilder and his coaching staff were pleased by the 22-year-old’s technical skill on the ball, but he also understands the other side of the game – the graft and necessity to win tackles and races – which will only endear him to the Blades boss. As a result, so do Blades fans. “It’s about high intensity, running and tackles, but he also wants us to be better with the ball and create chances,” Slimane said of Wilder’s leadership.
“I’m excited to work with him and know how he wants to play.” That type of play, with hard work, tackles, and running, appeals to me. I also have technological ability. He wants to see people having fun and scoring goals, and that’s my game.”
Next up for Slimane and United is a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, where he could be handed another chance to impress. “When you’re a football player, you just want to play every weekend,” he added on not featuring earlier in the season. “And the days when you do play, it is frustrating.
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