This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
He’s slowly getting there, but now let’s see if he can take another step forward.
Lys Mousset put in an incredibly impressive performance during Saturday’s victory over Burnley, as he registered three assists for his Sheffield United teammates in the first half, becoming the ninth player to do so in Premier League history (via Daily Mail).
This touches on what we were discussing on FFC last week. Mousset has done enough with his efforts off the bench to earn a place in the starting line-up and judging by his display last weekend, he certainly didn’t do his case to be there on a more regular basis any harm.
That was emphasised by pundit Jamie Redknapp, who detailed in his column for The Daily Mail this week that he was starting to vindicate his trust after an initial £10m move from Bournemouth – a team where he struggled for game time.
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The question now is whether or not he will both be able to continue this level of production throughout the season.
Three goals and three assists from just two starts and six substitute appearances is a wonderful return and those strikes in short bursts against the likes of Everton and West Ham United were a good starting point.
The 23-year-old’s display against Burnley has essentially earned him another chance to impress but there is going to have to come a time when he can finally put his foot down and stamp his authority on the position once and for all.
There’s a lot of competition for a starting role at Bramall Lane right now, with the likes of Billy Sharp, David McGoldrick, Oliver McBurnie and Leon Clarke among others all breathing down one another’s neck to try and fight it out for one of the two spots up front.
The club will be looking at someone like him to keep them in the division and only then will the investment have been worth it.
The worst thing that could happen is if he ends up being a player who starts off the season and then tails off. If he ends up a bust, then it could end up busting Sheffield United’s season as well. He’ll need to prove he can do this consistently when starting.