One Sheffield United man pinpointed by Sky Sports pundit as ‘absolutely instrumental’ to Wembley hopes

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Sheffield United have the chance to win a play-off final for the first time after beating Bristol City to secure their place at Wembley.

Chris Wilder’s side recorded the biggest margin of victory in Championship play-off history as Sheffield United beat Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate with the Blades looking for a slice of play-off history on their way to the home of football.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	46	29	13	4	95	30	65	100
2	BurnleyBurnley	46	28	16	2	69	16	53	100
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	46	28	8	10	63	36	27	90
4	SunderlandSunderland	46	21	13	12	58	44	14	76
5	CoventryCoventry	46	20	9	17	64	58	6	69
6	Bristol CityBristol City	46	17	17	12	59	55	4	68

Don Goodman believed ‘one foot’ was in the final of the play-offs after the first leg, but it was realistically much more than that, with a number of Sheffield United’s 90-point team shining at Bramall Lane in their second 3-0 victory against Liam Manning.

It was an emotional night where Sheffield United fans and players paid tribute to George Baldock. But they navigated their way through it, even if Wilder admitted there was an awkward start against the Robins.

• READ MORE: EFL Expert makes claim on Sheffield United veteran despite him ‘lacking in confidence’, Bristol City will have fears

Andy Hinchcliffe makes Sheffield United and Vini Souza claim

It’s fair to say that both Sheffield United and Bristol City learnt plenty about themselves after the last two games, with the Blades’ superior squad quality and depth evidently shining through over 180 minutes of football between them.

EFL expert Ali Maxwell backed Kieffer Moore to have an impact, with the giant Welshman opening the scoring, while Harrison Burrows was outstanding and scored or assisted four of the six goals; they are just two of the components of a well-oiled machine.

The stars might be Gus Hamer and Michael Cooper at opposite ends of the pitch in ensuring the Blades have the requisite quality in both boxes, but the engine of the machine is undoubtedly Vini Souza.

Andy Hinchcliffe was alongside Daniel Mann for commentary duties during the game against Bristol City, with both making comments on 79 minutes when another Souza was substituted for a well-earned rest.

The Brazilian came off to rapturous applause, with Mann stating: “Bramall Lane rising to acclaim a man who’s become a real favourite this season, Vini Souza.”

Hinchcliffe responded: “As this game again has illustrated, his importance to the functioning of this Sheffield United side.

“When he plays, they are a stronger side, they win more, and they lose less. He is absolutely instrumental to the way that Chris Wilder plays.”

They can now sit back and wait for their fellow play-off finalists to secure their place, with Callum O’Hare sending a good luck message to Coventry after joining the Blades on a free transfer from Cov in the summer.

• READ MORE: Callum O’Hare sends ‘good luck’ message to Coventry City as Sheffield United await Wembley opponents

Vini Souza’s key stats for Sheffield United in 2024/25

Souza is the glue that sticks the midfield and defence together in many ways, and his presence in the final is going to be absolutely critical to Sheffield United joining Burnley and Leeds United in the Premier League.

Of the 34 Championship and play-off games he has started this season, Souza has only lost to Leeds (x2), Burnley (x2), and Plymouth Argyle. Sheffield United have been largely outstanding when he features.

Should Sheffield United fail to gain promotion, Souza is almost certain to depart the Blades. However, he could be the key man on the pitch at Wembley.