Chris Wilder drops hint over Sheffield United's "outstanding" Sander Berge over long-term position

The Norwegian, who joined United in a club-record £22m deal from Genk in January, saw his bedding-in period in South Yorkshire decimated by the coronavirus lockdown, which saw him isolate in his flat and only able to communicate with family and friends back home via Skype and Zoom.

But since the Premier League restarted last month, Berge has been one of United's most impressive performers and recently scored his first goal in English football, in an impressive 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Bramall Lane.

And Wilder, speaking ahead of this weekend's crunch clash against European rivals Chelsea, admitted: "Every one of our players will always take time to settle in, whatever age and level.

"With Sander coming from a different country, at his age, it was never going to be straightforward.

"But his attitude has been outstanding. He wants to learn and improve.

"He's settled into the city; it's been difficult for the boys who haven't got family through the pandemic, but he gets judged on the pitch and has certainly been a standout for us since we got back playing."

Berge was again impressive in Wednesday night's 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers and, barring illness or injury, will make only his 11th appearance in the Premier League against Frank Lampard's Chelsea side.

"There was yet another excellent performance on Wednesday," Wilder added.

"We all have to recognise he's played as a sitting midfielder, and he's playing as a number eight now.

"He has the qualities to do that.

"He'll end up being a sitter in a one or two but he has the qualities to keep learning."

John Lundstram, Berge's main rival for that right central midfield position, was on the bench against Wolves after damaging his shoulder in the recent FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Arsenal. Wilder will also give John Fleck and Luke Freeman as much time as possible to prove their fitness.

An important message: Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues. The Star is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Sheffield news and information online. Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city. Thank you, and stay safe. Danny.