Sheffield United developments v Chelsea will leave a bittersweet taste at Port Vale: View | OneFootball

Port Vale's former director of football, David Flitcroft, was lambasted for a catastrophic transfer policy that ultimately saw him leave the club - and his failure to secure a long-term loan for an England under-20 star helped to derail the Valiants' season.

Ollie Arblaster joined the Vale on loan from Sheffield United at the beginning of the season, and proved to be a real hit with fans on the Vale Park terraces.

The box-to-box midfielder's energetic displays endeared him to the Vale faithful, and his partnership in the middle of the park with another loanee, Alfie Devine of Tottenham Hotspur, earned rave reviews.

However, Arblaster was injured in a League Cup match against Middlesbrough in December, suffering a badly gashed leg, in what was to be his last Vale appearance.

Derby County linked with January move

Despite the injury, Derby County were linked with a loan move for Arblaster, as well as a host of Championship clubs, but new Blades boss Chris Wilder decided against sending the 19-year-old out again.

Instead, Arblaster was included in the first-team set-up, and was given a new long-term contract in February.

And he hasn't looked back since being handed his first Premier League start against Bournemouth at the beginning of March.

Arblaster completed 80 minutes against The Cherries, and made 22 successful passes out of 27 (81%), according to Sofascore.com.

The youngster was then involved with England under-20, scoring the first goal in a 3-1 win over Czechia.

Imperious Chelsea display receives praise

Arblaster kept his starting spot for Sheffield United's next game against Fulham, recording 75%passing accuracy and winning four out of his five ground duels, battling the likes of João Palhinha in midfield.

Tellingly, when Arblaster was substituted on 85 minutes, Sheffield United were winning 3-1, but they lost control of the middle of the pitch after his withdrawal, conceding twice and only coming away with a 3-3 draw.

Despite being on the wrong end of a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool, Arblaster impressed yet again, completing 90 minutes and winning six out of his nine duels.

The key games have come thick and fast for Arblaster as the Blades look to find a way off the bottom of the Premier League, but it's his most recent display against Chelsea that has received the most praise.

He was the central focus of a lot of Sheffield United's build-up play, receiving the ball in tightly-congested areas and able to find a team-mate. According to Sofascore he made five key passes, and was successful with 44 out of 51 of his passes (86%). He also recorded two clearances, two interceptions and two tackles.

For the youngster to have such an impact in a high pressure game, against a Chelsea midfield that has approximately £300m worth of talent in Moses Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Connor Gallagher and Cole Palmer, was extremely impressive.

Vale left regretting Flitcroft mistake

Most Vale fans will tell you that they could see Arblaster was destined for the Premier League, although his impact has maybe come a little sooner than expected.

He was the shining light in a team struggling in the bottom half of the table, and since his departure they have plummeted even further down the table.

If David Flitcroft had managed to tie Sheffield United to loaning Arblaster for the entire season, instead of instigating a call-back, Vale would surely be in a very different position to where they currently are.