Rob Holding on Luton win and early days as a Blade | OneFootball

When he was announced as a deadline day loan signing, Rob Holding caused a stir amongst Blades. His temporary arrival was met with reactions from underwhelming to quietly optimistic about his experience.

Almost two weeks on Holding, 29, has appeared twice for the Blades. After an eight-minute cameo against Portsmouth, yesterday’s win over Luton saw his first full-half of football in a Sheffield United shirt.

After the game, he spoke to club media about the win and his first couple of weeks as a Blade.

Holding’s Comments

The Blade’s ability to find a win

Despite recent difficult performances like Portsmouth and yesterday against Luton, the Blades have found a way to secure the three points.

Holding said: “The main thing is to get the three points. We knew it would be tough coming down here.

“A very tight stadium and fights for second and first balls. We had to match that and then we have that bit of quality to find a goal.”

Coming off the bench and formation change

Following a difficult first-half, Chris Wilder switched from the usual 4-2-3-1 to 3-5-2. With Holding joining the back-three.

He said: “Prior to the game when we saw their team-sheet. It took us by surprise.

“The gaffer made the call to change at half-time. I got called in and playing middle of a back-three is something I am very familiar with. So I did everything to help the team, bring a bit of experience and get the three points.”

On the late winner

Anel Ahmedhodzic’s 80th minute goal assisted by Callum O’Hare saw the Blades steal the three points. With Ahmedhodzic repeating his late goal against Middlesbrough that gave the Blades breathing room on Wednesday.

Holding said: “The lads never give up. The fans behind the goal were wanting the ball into the net. So that helped us with momentum and Anel but the goal very well for a centre-back.

“We’ll get him upfront if we need.”

Defensive Challenges

The Blades had to deal with Luton’s strong forwards Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo. With the pair testing the back-three.

Holding said: “Carlton is a very big physical strong centre-forward and he’s technically good. Give him a yard in the box he’ll get a shot off. So, a clean sheet away from home is great.”

On the team’s character and his first two weeks

Holding said: “I’ve been here two weeks now and just slotting into the vibes around the training ground and the changing room has been so welcoming.

“Slotting in and helping where I can has been very easy and the team have made it that.”

As a late arrival, Holding has the benefit of joining a Blades side flying high at the top of the Championship. He does seem to be enjoying playing first-team football in England’s second tier.

He said: “I was in a weird place in my career. I needed a team to take a chance on me. I know my abilities and what I can bring.

“To be fair to Sheffield United they took a chance. If I can repay that then all the better.”

On staying beyond his loan

It appears given his lack of play time at his parent club, a permanent switch may be possible in the summer. Holding was asked about his chances of joining the Blades permanently.

He said: “Potentially, it’s going to be a discussion in the summer but it’s something I’m enjoying in the moment for now.”

Holding’s Stats against Luton

In what had been a chaotic game in the first-half. Holding brought calm and experience to the Blades’ backline and overall performance.

For a player lacking senior minutes in recent memory, he hardly put a foot wrong. A showcase of his calmness on the field is his passing accuracy of 85%. As he completed 17 of his 20 passes. Plus, a long-ball accuracy of 62% helping the Blades to progress from back to front.

Most importantly, his defensive stats were good. Holding made six clearances, three recoveries and three headed clearances. These numbers are particularly impressive when compared to Ahmedhodzic who played 90 minutes. With the Blades number 15 only making four clearances, two recoveries and one headed clearance in twice the time. Additionally, these stats were also almost identical when compared to other centre-back Jack Robinson. Plus, Holding won 57% of his aerial duels (4/7) despite the physical presence of Luton’s Carlton Morris.

Takeaways

Despite, a lack of fanfare upon his arrival, Rob Holding has started life as a Blade well on the pitch and seemingly off it.

After limited playing time at Crystal Palace, it is good to see him enjoying his football again and handling interviews with humility. Ultimately, if Holding can put in performance like yesterday’s and continue to play a role as an experienced squad member. His signing could turn out to be one of the more effective ones from January.