Is this a statistical anomaly? Or a true reflection of his quality? And why does the 26-year-old rank so highly?
Sheaf is now in his fourth season at Coventry, including an initial loan spell in 202021. He had come through the ranks at Arsenal and, despite not making a Premier League appearance, was highly valued by ex-Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
“There is something in him that I believe will allow him to progress,” said the Frenchman. “He analyses well what’s happening to him, he assesses well what is going on and that’s why I believe he will have a good career.”
Wenger also remarked that Sheaf was “always ahead of the game” and that “his anticipation quality is absolutely huge”.
Those skills frequently saw him deployed in defensive positions for Arsenal’s youth and Under-23 sides, but midfield was always Sheaf’s preference and that is where he has made the majority of his 136 appearances for Coventry in all competitions.
Though he occasionally opts for a three-man backline, Mark Robins tends to use Sheaf as one-half of the defensive double pivot in his 4-2-3-1 system.
Denne historien er fra April 07, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 07, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
SEASIDERS' EVANS LEADS BY EXAMPLE
BLACKPOOL assistant coach Steve Agnew was delighted with his team’s performance as they confidently saw off the threat of Burton Albion at Bloomfield Road.
CHRIS' GUTSY BLUE BATTLE BACK TO NAB THE TOP SPOT
CHRIS Davies conceded his Birmingham City side were not up to their usual quality despite beating Peterborough United in a thrilling encounter.
WELLENS SLAMS ORIENT SUBS
LEYTON Orient boss Richie Wellens bizarrely criticised his substitutes’ efforts after his side were held at home by leaders Wrexham.
HARRIS HAILS HIS DOMINANT LIONS
North End outfought at The Den
ROONEY'S JOY AFTER ARGYLE HIT HATTERS...
WAYNE Rooney could not contain his delight after his Plymouth side breezed past Luton on Friday night.
RAMS LEFT FUMING OVER SAINZ STRIKES
NORWICH manager Johannes Hoff Thorup supported calls for the introduction of VAR in the Championship – even though he benefited from two major refereeing errors in his team’s win at Derby.
CARRICK'S CHUFFED WITH STARLET DOAK
MICHAEL Carrick thinks exciting winger Ben Doak has shown how determined he is to develop at Middlesbrough after helping to secure victory over Stoke City at the Riverside.
'Mature' Leeds are class above Cov
DANIEL Farke praised the “maturity” of his Leeds United side after they thumped early-season strugglers Coventry City with a dominant display at Elland Road.
SKIPPER TRAVIS IS TOPS FOR EUSTACE...
DELIGHTED Blackburn boss John Eustace lauded ‘inspirational’ captain Lewis Travis after his goal set them on their way to victory over 10man QPR.
BLADES BLUNTED BY PEPPY POMPEY
CHRIS Wilder heaped praise onto winless Portsmouth after they held his Sheffield United side to a goalless draw at Fratton Park.