Anel Ahmedhodzic at Sheffield United: 100 Games in | OneFootball

The win over QPR at Loftus Road saw Anel Ahmedhodzic play his 100th game for the Blades. During his time at the club, Ahmedhodzic has become a fan favourite. The 25-year-old centre-back, who will turn 26 later this month, is one of the longest-serving members of the current squad. An important factor in a squad that has changed so much from the consistent names of the one Paul Heckingbottom brought him into.

To celebrate his recent milestone, here is an analysis of his time at the club and his best moments so far.

The Arrival

On 6 July 2022, Anel Ahmedhodzic joined Sheffield United for a ‘substantial undisclosed fee’. He told club media that Jack Lester was one of the reasons he joined, as he liked working with Lester at Nottingham Forest.

Another factor in his arrival was the efforts of Paul Heckingbottom and his team. With them tracking Ahmedhodzic from as early as January 2022.

Heckingbottom, at the time, said: “We tracked his progress, stayed in touch and managed to beat off a number of suitors. He had a desire to come back to England. What has stuck in his head is our early interest. We got in ahead of a number of other clubs, identified him as a major target and sold the club to him. The connection has been important.”

It’s safe to say that with hindsight, Heckingbottom and his team did a good job on selling the club to him.

His first season

(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Mainly playing on the right-side of the three centre-backs. Ahmedhodzic had the unenviable task of living up to Chris Basham. As well as displacing the Blades legend from the first-team.

He was given a great chance to become a mainstay in the first team playing 40 times in his first season. In the league, he made 34 appearances and for a defender had an impressive output.

Ahmedhodzic finished his first season by scoring six goals and getting two assists in the league. Adding an additional goal to his tally during the Blades’ impressive FA Cup run.

Whilst his defensive stats were okay, Ahmedhodzic’s main achievements were his attacking stats. His six goals in the league were above his xG of 4.48 and he had 39 total shots getting 12 on target. He was one of the most progressive centre-backs in the Championship getting 66 touches in the opposition box. The stat placing him in the 97th percentile of centre-backs.

From a team perspective, Ahmedhodzic’s first season saw him gain automatic promotion to the Premier League. As well as playing at Wembley in an FA Cup semi-final.

A memorable moment from his first season was his goal against West Brom as the Blades secured promotion. His goal in the 76th minute secured the win after Sander Berge’s earlier goal. A corner from Tommy Doyle was cleared to George Baldock who volleyed it towards Ahmedhodzic who got his left foot onto it to direct it into the net.

A great first season for Ahmedhodzic at Sheffield United.

Second Season

His second season like for most Sheffield United players was a disappointing one. Last season overall overshadowed the performances of all individual players.

In terms of playing time, Ahmedhodzic played 31 Premier League matches, starting 29. He managed two goals. His first came against Luton Town in the horror show that was Boxing Day 2023. Whilst, his second was the opener against Newcastle United in the fourth to last game of the season. Although, it would be just a consolation as the Blades went on to lose 5-1.

Statistically, Ahmedhodzic was good considering the club’s difficult season. His tackles won percentage (56.2%) and aerial duels won percentage (59.1%) are similar to his record in the Championship the season before. Despite facing harder opposition and more attacks.

He also continued to be good on the ball. With eleven successful dribbles placing him in the 86th percentile for Premier League centre-backs. As well as continuing to get forward with 35 touches in the opposition box.

Ultimately, as for all involved, his second season is one to forget. But, he did perform fairly well considering the circumstances and as well as a defender can in a team who conceded 104 goals.

This season

As one of the few remaining players from the relegation season. Ahmedhodzic was a familiar face in a sea of uncertainty for fans as new signings flooded in.

Whether it has been with Harry Souttar, before his unfortunate injury, or with Jack Robinson in the time since. Ahmedhodzic has been an ever present in the Blades’ back-line. Now playing a back four compared to his initial role as one of three centre-backs. Despite a short spell out injured on the sidelines, he has made 27 Championship appearances, starting 26.

He has so far scored two goals and one assist. With his two goals coming in the recent fixtures against Middlesbrough and Luton Town respectively. Giving the Blades breathing room against Boro and securing the late winner at Kenilworth Road.

Goals haven’t been the only part of his game this season. He picked up a yellow card against QPR which has taken his tally to nine. Plus, he was also sent off against Coventry City as the Blades drew 2-2.

Statistically, he has been at his strongest defensively as a Blade this season. He has won 80% of his tackles almost 30% better than his previous tackles won percentages. Additionally, he has won 105 duels, 98 recoveries and made 26 interceptions.

He has also been good in possession completing 90.3 of his passes and creating eight chances. Whilst, he hasn’t been as effective from a goalscoring perspective. His recent goals have seen him above his xG of 1.49. His lesser impact on goal is due to the change in formation and system with less defenders making it more difficult for him to commit to joining attacks.

Takeaways

Overall, Anel Ahmedhodzic has proven to be a great signing for the Blades. After 100 games and being in his mid-twenties it is likely his best playing days are ahead of him. Hopefully for the Blades.

Additionally, despite rumours of reported interest during the 2024 summer transfer window, Ahmedhodzic remained at Bramall Lane.

100 games down, 11 goals and three assists to his name. Blades’ fans have yet to get enough of Anel Ahmedhodzic.