Who is Sheffield United target Alex Matos? | OneFootball

Transfer chaos has officially consumed Sheffield United. The rumour mill is active and it won’t stop until Monday. The Blades are looking for reinforcements, the latest is Alex Matos of Chelsea.

The Blades are in advanced talks according to Pete O’Rourke. But who is the Blades latest target. Let’s find out.

Academy Days

Born in Bedford in October 2004. Matos began his playing football with Bedfordshire based side Kempston Colts.

From there, he joined Luton Town to play for their U9s before moving on to Norwich City to join the Canaries U12s side.

Following a scholarship with the Canaries he signed his first professional deal with the club in 2022. Matos showed impressive ability during his time with their U18s and in the Premier League 2. First, contributing nine goals and seven assists for the U18s. Before getting two assists in 18 games for the U21s.

On 1 July 2023, without representing Norwich at senior level. Matos moved on to Chelsea. He has currently made 19 appearances for their U21s.

Premier League Debut

Matos made his Premier League debut on 2 October 2023, just a day before his 19th birthday. He replaced Enzo Fernandez in a 2-0 victory for the Blues over Fulham.

Yorkshire Terrier

January 2024 saw Huddersfield Town come calling for Matos’ services. He joined the struggling Terriers on loan. Despite their eventual relegation, Matos gained Championship experience.

He played 19 times for the Terriers starting 15 of those appearances. He also scored his first senior goal for the Terriers through a deflected strike. Although it wasn’t enough to prevent a 5-3 defeat to Southampton.

Last season with Oxford

Last summer, Matos secured a loan move to Oxford United. He played 20 times for the newly promoted side although only 10 of those appearances were starts.

Championship Statistics

A central midfielder by trade Matos can play deeper as a defensive midfielder and has played in more advance roles previously.

Defensive

Defensively, Matos was very good for Oxford last season. He won 50.5% of his aerial duels putting him in the 87th percentile of Championship midfielders. He is around 5 foot 8 or 5 foot 9.

Matos made 18 interceptions, blocked 4 shots, and committed just 28 fouls all good stats for a player at the level for the amount of games.

His tackles won (59.2%) however does leave him at the lower average of the 47th percentile. Although, he is only 20 and you’d imagine this will improve with time and experience.

In Possession

Matos showed great dribbling accuracy (57.1%) for Oxford placing him in the 89th percentile. He was only dispossessed 18 times. Whereas, he won 25 fouls.

Passing

The positive is his crossing accuracy completing 75% of his attempted crosses. The downside is his passing accuracy (75.6%) and long ball accuracy (27.8%).

His passing accuracy placing him in the 34th percentile and long ball accuracy in the 13th percentile.

Takeaways

It’s clear that Matos is a young talent and is currently developing his game. The fact he has Championship experience under his belt is a big tick for him signing. He can come into a Blades midfield that needs some versatility. A player who can do the defensive work to let the likes of O’Hare and Hamer go forward. Whilst, also providing competition to Soumare and Peck.

If he signs he also allows Peck to roam forward which seems to be a better position for him.

Ultimately, as a permanent signing it is a good one, a young talent who won’t be heading back to a parent club. Once the club and fans have invested so much into him.