Sheffield United Youngster Takes Full Advantage of International Call-up After Chris Wilder’s “Pro” Response | OneFootball

Sheffield United midfielder Sydie Peck is enjoying a standout season, with his impressive performances recently earning him a well-deserved call-up to the England Elite League Squad.

The 20-year-old has been a key figure in Chris Wilder’s midfield, showcasing maturity beyond his years and proving his value in United’s engine room. Peck’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. A product of the Blades’ renowned Shirecliffe academy, he has seamlessly transitioned into first-team football under Wilder’s guidance.

Of course, anybody that has watched United’s development team over the last two or three years will be fully aware of the talent that Peck had before this season, but to actually go out and perform the way he has, in his first season in United’s first-team, is impressive.

Peck has featured 34 times in the Championship, registering one assist, but it’s overall impact on the game that stands out. He has the calmness and composure of somebody that has played in the second tier for years. His ability to progress moves, as well as recovering the ball and then recycling it, are his best features.

The young England international ranks in the 86th percentile for progressive passes when compared against other midfielders in the current Championship campaign. He also ranks in the 89th percentile for blocks and 74th percentile for dribblers tackled success rate, highlighting another key attribute: he loves to get stuck in and do the dirty work.

Sheffield United Midfielder Sydie Peck Taking Full Advantage of International Call-up

“Fully deserved,” Wilder said to SUTV when discussing Peck’s latest England call-up. “I always talk about how we’re pro at sending our players to play for their country and we have had our fair share over the few years that I have been here. Sydie is another on the list of those players. Absolutely delighted for Sydie, his performances have been outstanding, I’ve talked about him and his development and his introduction to the first team and how he has taken his chance. It can only make him a better player by going away and playing in different environments against different calibre of players.”

Peck’s selection in Ben Futcher’s squad saw him start the U20’s Elite League game against Portugal, with the game ending 1-1. The next fixture, against Switzerland’s U21’s in a friendly, saw the United midfielder come off the bench and secure a 2-2 draw with his goal in the 92nd minute.

It was an extremely unfortunate injury to Oliver Arblaster earlier in the season, and many Blades were left wondering how their midfield would cope without him. But in his absence, his former youth academy teammate, Peck, has stepped up and really nailed down his place in the team. The former Arsenal academy player is certainly trending in the right direction, and he’s likely to be a Premier League player in the summer no matter what happens in Sheffield United’s promotion bid.

Stats taken from FBref – Correct as of 25/03/25.