(Credit: Sheffield United/ Sportimage)
A Sheffield United youngster has impressed fans after a string of strong performances for Tunisia at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Hassan Ayari, 19, and his fellow countrymen progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition, with the attacking midfielder having an influential role.
A fan YouTube channel, The Sheff United Way, are amongst the Blades supporters who are excited to see what the footballer can produce in the future.
Co-presenter, Hal Stewart, said: “He’s got so much in his locker, he’s great at free kicks, very good with his feet, has a bit of flair, loves a trick, and obviously an eye for goal.
“The best thing we can do, is either give him a chance in the Premier League or hold him back until next season.”
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Despite a defeat last night, Tunisia have will go through to the next round after finishing third in the group stages.
Ayari’s stand out performance so far, was in a 2-0 victory against Namibia, where he scored one and assisted one.
Congrats, @HassanAyari. 💪
Hassan starred in Tunisia’s 2-0 win over Namibia in the U20 African Cup of Nations with a goal and an assist. 🇹🇳 pic.twitter.com/SUdaSYu3O3
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) February 18, 2021
These performances will not come as a surprise for followers of Sheffield United’s youth teams, with the youngster scoring 11 times in ten games whilst at U18s level.
The club have a good pedigree of producing strong youth players, with the likes of Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all currently England internationals.
Some supporters are equally excited about Ayari’s potential, if he is able to step up to the demands of senior football.
United fan, Jamie Weaver stated: “He is probably the biggest natural talent we’ve had since David Brooks. I’d like to see him as a prodigy to an experienced number ten, but my only reservation is, if he will be an instant hit because of the step up.”
A goal and assist for Hassan Ayari in the U20 African Cup of Nations. 🇹🇳pic.twitter.com/6qbzcHkLSp
— Sheffield United Development (@sufcdevelopment) February 18, 2021
James Edwards also believes Ayari has the talent to burst into the first team and should be in Chris Wilder’s plans sooner rather than later.
He said: “He should be on the bench every single week, we are missing a massive opportunity. A number of top teams are sniffing around him, so making him a regular feature could be a real incentive for him to stay at the club.”
Listen to The Sheff United Way’s, Hal Stewart, discuss United’s history of bringing through youth players:
