Who is Sheffield United target Jimmy Dunne? | OneFootball

With Ben Brereton-Diaz and Tom Cannon signed, the latest transfer link claims the Blades are after a centre-back. According to Football League World, Sheffield United are ‘eyeing up a move’ for QPR’s Jimmy Dunne.

But who is the defender and what could he offer the Blades? Plus, how does he compare to Harry Souttar?

Youth Career

Born as James Gerard Dunne in Dundalk. Jimmy Dunne, 27 began playing football for St. Kevin’s Boys in his home nation.

In 2007, aged 10, Dunne joined Manchester United’s Belfast-based academy. Then, in 2016, Dunne left the Red Devils after 9 years for Burnley. He joined the Clarets on a free transfer initially joining their development team.

Loans away from Turf Moor

Barrow

In July 2017, Dunne joined Barrow on loan from the Clarets. Barrow, then a National League side, allowed Dunne to play 23 games. 21 in the League, with one appearance each in the FA Cup and FA Trophy respectively. He also scored two National League goals.

Accrington Stanley

In January 2018, Dunne joined Accrington Stanley on loan. A promotion for the young defender given he started the season in the National League.

He played 20 League Two matches for Accrington before returning to his parent club.

Hearts

Dunne joined Scottish Premiership side Hearts in August 2018 on a six-month loan. He played 12 Scottish Premiership matches and twice in the Scottish League Cup.

His Hearts side reached the League Cup semi-finals but Dunne was recalled due to an ankle injury.

Sunderland

In January 2019, after recovering from his injury, Dunne joined League One Sunderland on loan. He played 13 League One matches for the Black Cats getting a goal and assist.

His performance helped the Blades’ current promotion rivals reach the League One playoff final.

Fleetwood Town

His final loan saw him join Fleetwood Town in League One. He played nine League and two EFL Trophy matches for Fleetwood.

Back at Burnley

(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

2020-2021 saw Dunne return to Burnley playing three times for the Clarets in the Premier League. Plus, twice in both the FA Cup and EFL Cup respectively.

His senior debut for Burnley came on 17 September 2020 in the EFL Cup Second Round. Interestingly, the Clarets won on penalties against Sheffield United.

He also scored on his Premier League debut three days later. As the Clarets were defeated 4-2 by Leicester City.

Becoming a Ranger

In 2021-2022, Dunne would complete an appearance in each of England’s top 5 leagues. His move to QPR allowed him to add the Championship to his list of leagues player in.

It was his breakthrough season in English football as he played 43 total matches. He played 38 Championship matches contributing three goals and an assist for the Rs. As QPR finished 11th in the Championship.

In 2022-2023, he played 40 Championship matches and 42 games in total. He scored two Championship goals as QPR fell to 20th in the Championship table.

Last season, Dunne played less matches at 29 in the Championship and once in the FA Cup. He still managed to score once and get an assist.

His 2023-2024 season goal is one of his most memorable QPR moments. As Dunne hit a 92nd minute volley from 25 yards out against survival rivals Birmingham City. A crucial goal as QPR went on to finish 18th whilst Birmingham were relegated.

At the end of season awards, Dunne won the Kiyan Prince Goal of the Season award. As well as the Achilleus Security Junior Hoops Player of the Year award.

The season did see a noticeable drop off in matches played. Dunne missed 11 games with a shoulder injury. He suffered the injury in a friendly against Oxford United and had to be stretchered off.

How does he compare to Harry Souttar?

With any centre-back signing likely brought in as a Harry Souttar replacement how does Dunne compare to the Blades favourite.

First of all before we look at statistics it’s important to acknowledge the height difference. Souttar’s six foot six height made him a beast in the Blades’ backline. In comparison Dunne is six foot three, three inches smaller. To emphasise that this isn’t a major difference, Souttar’s height (198cm) is only 7 centimetres taller than Dunne’s (191cm).

Defensively per 90

Dunne has the advantage over Souttar in a number of defensive areas. Dunne’s 1.21 successful tackles per 90 is almost double Souttar’ 0.61 successful tackles per 90.

Dunne completes slightly more clearances per 90 at 5.75 compared to Souttar’s clearances per 90 (5.5). Plus, Dunne’s headed clearances per 90 (3.21) is 0.1 higher than Souttar’s 3.11 per 90.

Dunne also completes more blocks per 90 at 0.18 compared to Souttar’s 0.05 blocks per 90. Where Souttar comes out on top is interceptions per 90 at 1.27 compared to Dunne’s 1.21 interceptions per 90.

Goal Scoring and attacking

Souttar didn’t score a goal whilst on loan with United. Whilst, Dunne has scored four goals for QPR. Three headed goals and one goal from his left foot.

Dunne has taken four times as many shots as Souttar. With Dunne taking 32 shots to Souttar’s 8 and Dunne getting 15 shots on target so far this season. Leading to Dunne’s shot accuracy to be 47% compared to Souttar’s 25% shot accuracy.

Where Souttar is better than Dunne is his passing. Souttar makes 53.1 accurate passes per 90 and 3.41 accurate long balls per 90. With Dunne making 34.4 accurate passes per 90 and 1.96 accurate long balls per 90.

Other interesting stats

Dunne has played 2,520 minutes compared to 1,767 minutes for Souttar, influenced by Souttar’s recent injury but still noticeably higher for Dunne. The QPR defender has played 28 total matches compared to Souttar’s 21.

Dunne is outperforming his xG of 3.63 suggesting good finishing accuracy. His xG is also vastly superior to Souttar’s xG of 0.69 suggesting Dunne’s willingness to get into goalscoring positions.

The 27-year-old has also created 12 chances whilst Souttar has only created one, highlighting Dunne’s willingness to join attacks.

Discipline wise, Dunne has double the amount of yellow cards (6) to Souttar’s three. This is one of the less ideal stats given the Blades’ already high yellow cards total. Although, Souttar also picked up a red card, whilst Dunne hasn’t.

Notably, Dunne has also made two appearances for Republic of Ireland’s U21s.

Takeaways

Ultimately, signing Dunne comes with the benefit of vast experience across the five highest levels of the English pyramid. More importantly, he has great experience in the Championship with QPR. At six foot three he is close to the rare tallness of Harry Souttar.

Stats wise, which isn’t everything, but a key indicator, actually attest to Dunne being better than Souttar this season in a number of key areas. It should be noted that the two sides they play in are a factor. With being a defender for QPR very different to being a defender for Sheffield United this season. As Dunne is likely forced to do more defending for a lower in the table side than Souttar would per 90. Although, Dunne’s goals and overall better stats suggest he would likely only get better if thrown into a side with more of the ball.

Of all of the players linked with the Blades as defensive cover. Personally, Dunne would be my favourite for the unenviable task of replacing Harry Souttar. If the Blades can tempt QPR to sell him for a reasonable fee, he could be one of this season’s best signings yet.