Sheffield United’s Ollie Norwood singles out “very good” QPR player as toughest opponent | OneFootball

Sheffield United midfielder Ollie Norwood has singled out QPR playmaker Ilias Chair as the toughest player he’s faced in the Championship this season.

The pair first met at Bramall Lane back in October when Chris Willock’s 51st-minute goal helped the visitors secure a 1-0 win despite some heavy pressure from the Blades, who had 65% possession and took more than twice as many shots as their opponents.

Chair proved a nuisance for Norwood and his teammates on that day, and proved the key man again for the R’s when they drew 1-1 with United at Loftus Road on the 2nd of January.

The midfielder’s 11th-minute goal looked to have wrapped up the three points for the hosts until John Egan’s 96th-minute equaliser.

The 25-year-old is certainly someone that has admirers across the division as Norwood proved when he was asked to pick out the toughest opposition player he had faced in 2022/23.

It’s been a memorable season for Chair already as he was part of the Morocco squad that made it to the semi-final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He’s also been in eye-catching form in the Championship as with four goals and six assists in 25 games, he’s on course for the most productive season of his career to date.

Quiz: Are these 20 QPR facts real or fake?

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Real or fake: Loftus Road seats more than 20,000 people!

The Verdict

Norwood is enjoying a fantastic season for United – with his presence in central midfield so important to the form that’s helped them move into a strong position in the race for promotion.

His reading and understanding of the game is part of what makes him such an asset for Paul Heckingbottom so this is high praise indeed for Chair.

The 25-year-old has been excellent for the R’s this term and it’s good to hear his understanding of spaces praised by Norwood as that sometimes goes unnoticed due to the dazzling touches and tricks he’s able to do.

If the west Londoners are to get their play-off push back on track, Chair will surely be vital.