Why Sydie rose to the top of the Pecking order | OneFootball

There was considerable and understandable concern when Ollie Arblaster was ruled out for the season. Due to how good he’d been from the start of this campaign. Little did we know that an even younger midfielder was waiting in the shadows to fill in.

In the Ranking Sheffield United’s Transfer Window video. I said removing Sydie Peck from contention for the Starting XI would be unfair. At the time, Hamza Choudhury had been impressive against Derby and expectations for his and Souza’s partnership were high. Since then, Peck has shown more promise than any of us could have imagined. Making the position his.

What is Sydie Peck good at?

Sydie Peck’s main quality is how he works with Vinicius Souza. When the Blades play both Choudhury and Souza, the already defensive 4-2-3-1. Essentially, reverts to six defenders and invites to much pressure. Whilst, this is an oversimplification. Sydie Peck offers more of a bridge between the defence and the likes of O’Hare and Hamer. In other words, Peck and Souza compliment each other like Ying and Yang.

He has played the full 90 in the Championship 17 times this season. Only missing the matchday squad four times in the league this season. Therefore, a great ability of Peck’s is staying fit and being available. From the 23 November to 26 December, he played seven full matches out of eight. As well as completing all four matches between 4 January to 24 January which covered the waiting period for Hamza Choudhury to arrive. With the Blades winning the first three before the horror show against Hull.

As a side note, statistically, Peck was one of the better United performers that night. Creating the most chances (four) and winning the most duels (10). Mainly, though Peck has been valuable as a consistent asset despite his youth. If Hamza Choudhury had replaced him completely since the beginning of February. He could have been proud that he helped keep the Blades in a competitive position for reinforcements arrive.

Statistically

Where Sydie Peck shines statistically is his passing completing 959 successful passes so far this season. His pass accuracy is 82.3% and the number of successful passes he makes place him in the 78th percentile of Championship players in his position.

He has also been fairly good on the ball and in possession. Peck has completed 12 successful dribbles this season placing him in the 70th percentile. Plus, alongside the perception as a battling midfielder, Peck has won 27 fouls from opponents. With this showcasing how much of a handful he is for opposing midfielders.

We must of course discuss his battling work in midfield. Peck has won 114 duels across the season so far placing him in the 72nd percentile, plus he has won 25 aerial duels.

Comparing to Vinicius Souza

Defensively, there are standout stats for Souza over Peck. Souza’s successful tackles per 90 (2.28) beats Peck’s 1.06 per 90. Souza also has a superior interceptions per 90 (1.28) to Peck’s 0.72. They are almost identical with clearances as Peck makes 2.33 clearances per 90 to Souza’s 2.32. Peck beats Souza in blocks per 90 with 0.42 to Souza’s 0.08. Plus, Peck wins the ball further up the pitch more per 90 winning the ball in the final third 0.30 times compared to Souza’s 0.23.

In terms of passing. Souza is better at short range with 43.7 passes per 90 compared to Peck’s 40.7 passes per 90. Whereas, Peck is better with progressive passes completing 2.16 accurate long balls per 90 compared to Souza’s 1.93.

Souza has more shots per 90 (0.46) to Peck’s 0.34, although, Peck has a better shot accuracy as (63%) to Souza’s 50%.

Next steps

Based on statistics. The glaring next step is goalscoring and assisting. It isn’t expected that his numbers should reach the heights of Gustavo Hamer or Tyrese Campbell. But it would be another string to his bow to get his first Blades’ goal.

He has only managed 18 shots so far in total this season. So, it would be nice to see Peck take more chances in general. As it feels perhaps the wait for his first goal fits the adage of you miss all the shots you don’t take.

The promising aspect of this side of his game are the expected statistics. He has 1.19 xG and 2.26 expected assists. With his expected statistics higher than his actual, a glass half full view could suggest a goal is coming. Ultimately, his other next step as with shooting is to continue to improve all aspects of his game. After a good foundation this season and with it being early days in his career, his progress is likely to only take an upward trajectory.

Couple of recent strong performances

Sheffield United 1-0 Preston North End (8 March 2025)

In a game where the Blades simply just got the job done. Nothing better nothing worse. Peck stood out as a strong reason for the Blades gaining the upper-hand.

Peck completed the most passes (57) and won the most duels (10) of any player on the pitch. He also had a pass accuracy during the game of 81%.

Sheffield United 3-1 Middlesborough (12 February 2025)

The emphatic win against Middlesborough in February saw Peck get his first Championship assist for the Blades. Whilst, the likes of Ben Brereton Diaz and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi stole the headlines. Peck delivered a comfortable and unnoticed role in the middle of the park.

Peck won 100% of his tackles, 67% of his aerial duels and four ground duels. He also got one shot on target and had a pass accuracy of 91%.

Takeaways

Overall, Sydie Peck has had a brilliant breakthrough season. When the Blades were relegated from the Premier League there was the hope that it would allow for more emphasis on using academy players. Whilst, Peck may not have been the name on most fans minds, he’s taken his chance. During a time of difficult long-term injuries, he has been a consummate professional going about his business in a fashion far beyond his years.

Sure he will make mistakes and he’s not the finished article. But to be competing at the top end of the Championship in his first season at 20 is a great achievement.

Plus, despite being London-born his passion for the Blades through his playing and celebrations has led him to gain the same favour of the local young players. The best is yet to come for Peck and seeing him develop will be a treat in the coming seasons.