Who is Tyler Morton? | OneFootball

According to Football League World, the Blades have stepped up their interest in Liverpool’s Tyler Morton, 22.

The young midfielder is linked with a January loan move to Bramall Lane. So the only question to really ask is. Who is he and what could he bring to United?

This season

Morton, who has been in Liverpool’s academy since 2009, has made three appearances for The Reds this season. All three have come in the EFL Cup.

Morton got an assist in the fourth round against Brighton. His assist saw Liverpool open the scoring through Cody Gakpo.

His most recent appearance for the club came against Southampton. It was also his first full professional match of the season. After he had started against Brighton and come off the bench against West Ham.

In the game, Morton had a pass accuracy of 88% and made eleven passes into the final third. Defensively, he made four clearances, three recoveries, whilst making no tackles. The game saw the natural defensive midfielder switch to right-back as it went on.

If his current playing chances suggest anything. Morton would benefit from a loan move to get more consistent playing time.

Loans to Hull City and Blackburn Rovers

(Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Last season, Morton was loaned to Hull City for a season in the Championship. For a defensive midfielder, Morton had a great return from his 39 Championship games. He scored three goals and made 5 assists becoming an integral part of the Tigers’ side.

Prior to his Hull City loan, Morton spent the 2022-2023 season on loan at Blackburn Rovers. Morton played 40 times in the league and made 4 FA Cup and 2 EFL Cup appearances for the Lancashire side.

Morton was also part of the Blackburn side that came to Bramall Lane in the FA Cup quarter-finals in 2023. Morton’s side lost 3-2 and the Tommy Doyle long-range winner. But, Morton played fairly well. He made two accurate crosses and completed two long balls. His defensive work in that game was also strong completing ten recoveries, winning four ground duels and two clearances.

Additionally, his time at Blackburn Rovers saw him play with Ben Brereton-Diaz. With the Chilean international also linked with a reported return, their familiarity could get them both up and running at Bramall Lane.

Morton and Arblaster

Ollie Arblaster’s injury has been a difficult loss for Blades to take. The young captain has been brilliant on the pitch and is one of our own. It is possible that reports of an approach for Morton is part of the Blades’ plan to survive Arblaster’s recovery period.

Morton and Arblaster are quite similar both are young midfielders in need of game time to develop. He is a very dependable cover option for Arblaster and would likely compete with Sydie Peck to play alongside Vinicius Souza.

Morton has played in the Blades 4-2-3-1 as a defensive midfielder at all three of his professional clubs. What Morton has on Arblaster is his age. At 22, Morton has played around 40 matches in each of the last two Championship seasons. His experience at the level and similar systems should see him bed into Wilder’s new formation quickly.

Furthermore, if Arblaster was to return this season. Morton would still be important depth for a Blades side that currently relies on Peck, Davies and Souza to play the two more defensive roles in midfield. Having five deeper lying midfielders to choose from could provide Wilder with the means and confidence to push for automatic promotion.

Takeaways

Morton certainly has the Championship experience to help the Blades in the second half of the season. As well as the personal need to get away from Liverpool to up his playing time.  From Sheffield United’s point of view, the prior is likely more important, whilst he is a young player, he would be entering with a high amount of Championship appearances to his name compared to other members of the squad.

Additionally, the Blades have two remaining loan spots for the season. So, bringing Morton feels like the perfect temporary signing as cover for Arblaster’s injury. Plus, good depth should any of the Blades other more defensive minded midfielders find themselves out injured between now and May.