Sheffield United comparison made amid uncertainty over Blackburn Rovers’ ace’s future from EFL expert

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Blackburn Rovers take on Sheffield United knowing they most likely need to win to secure a play-off berth this weekend.

The Blades have already secured their place after missing out on automatic promotion but Blackburn could yet break in after four wins on the bounce to put Valerien Ismael’s side on the cusp.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	45	28	7	10	62	35	27	89
4	SunderlandSunderland	45	21	13	11	58	43	15	76
5	Bristol CityBristol City	45	17	16	12	57	53	4	67
6	CoventryCoventry	45	19	9	17	62	58	4	66
7	MillwallMillwall	45	18	12	15	46	46	0	66
8	BlackburnBlackburn	45	19	8	18	52	47	5	65
9	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	45	18	10	17	64	54	10	64
10	West BromWest Brom	45	14	19	12	52	44	8	61
11	SwanseaSwansea	45	17	9	19	48	53	-5	60
12	Sheffield WednesdaySheffield Wednesday	45	15	12	18	59	68	-9	57

There is uncertainty around the future of a number of players at the club but they will be desperate to secure their place and gain promotion for the financial relief and reward that it would bring to Ewood Park, although Opta don’t rate their chances that highly.

In their recent run, Tyrhys Dolan is a player who has stepped up and come up with vital goal involvements to get them into a place where they are playing for something on final day. They will be desperate to not be a part of the 2025/26 Championship line-up for next season.

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Ali Maxwell outlines his thoughts on Tyrhys Dolan’s Blackburn situation

Until the Venky’s sell, Blackburn are unlikely to hold on to their best players consistently, which is frustrating for the fanbase. Dolan is one of those who is among the best Championship players out of contract this summer as detailed by Ismael recently regarding Dolan’s future at the club as well.

EFL experts Ali Maxwell and George Elek of the Not The Top 20 podcast have had their say on the situation at Blackburn with Dolan. Maxwell said: “Great counter-attack from Cantwell, and then Tyrhys Dolan winning for the second game in a row.

“A rule for anyone playing against Blackburn — and it’s easier said than done in football, a game where turnovers happen a lot — don’t let yourself get countered on, do not leave yourself light at the back, and lose the ball in midfield.

“Blackburn, consistently, all season at their best, what stands out most to me about their attacking play is the quality they have in transition. Do not leave yourself three on three because they are so good at making the right passes and choices and making the right runs.

“Dolan winning it after another nice move. Dolan is an interesting one because he’s out of contract this summer and it’s not expected that he will sign a new contract at Blackburn.

“He’s only 23 with tonnes of Championship experience. You speak to Rovers fans and you might get some mixed views on exactly how effective he is, how good he is, and what his ceiling is as a player.”

He added: “But there is no doubt that someone of his profile and of his age will have a lot of interest. I think of a player like Callum O’Hare.

“He’s not maybe done as much as O’Hare has done at the top of the Championship when he was a free transfer, but still broadly similar players which I think is quite a good comparison.

“Given how busy they are, how versatile they are, low centre of gravity, combine with teammates, and can score goals as well — albeit it is not the strongest part of his game. Tyrese Campbell as well last season remember; he left Stoke with their fans being like, ‘well, he’s not been good for a couple of years.’

“He got picked up on a free by a team coming down from the Prem and has looked very good. Dolan’s future is interesting. He’s making sure that everyone knows he’s got talent. He’s won the last two games for them.”

Dolan has been crucial to Blackburn dispelling their ‘soft touch’ claims to turn their season around after it looked as though they were going to fall out of play-off contention completely.

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Tyrhys Dolan’s 2024/25 stats for Blackburn

Dolan has plenty of attributes that clubs higher up the food chain will be after, including his tenacity, intensity, and energy but also his quality in the final third. That is especially impressive on the counter, where he is one of the best transitional threats in the division.

You imagine his output would scale up in a better and more attack-minded team, which is why he is almost certain to depart the club at the end of his contract in 2025 for more money and a club with greater Premier League scalability.

So far this season, this is his best campaign for goal involvements. However, perhaps crucially, is the big game factor he now brings. At the crunch, he has contributed to three goals in his last three appearances.

If he can develop a little further, some club will be able to pick up a bargain this summer for Dolan. The winger could become one of the division’s best attackers if utilised in the right way and with better quality around him.