Sheffield Wednesday’s caretaker manager Neil Thompson has spoken highly of defender Osaze Urhoghide ahead of their weekend clash v Birmingham City.
The 20-year-old in what is now his second season in at Sheffield Wednesday has quickly established himself as one of the best up and coming defenders in the division.
He left AFC Wimbledon for Hillsborough last season and would make three Championship appearances. This time round, Urhoghide has made five having come back injury in the New Year – he’s featured in five of Wednesday’s last six outings in all competitions.
The 20-year-old was particularly impressive in the 1-0 defeat at Stoke City last time out, with fans comparing him to a ‘prime’ Paolo Maldini.
Thompson speaks highly of him too. He told Examiner Live this morning:
“He has got his feet firmly on the ground. He loves defending. He has come in and done some really good things.
“He’s a young boy still so recovery is absolutely key. It’s all part of his learning. He has shown he can cope and the rigours of first-team football. Like everyone, he is looking for that consistency.”
Urhoghide is rapidly becoming a mainstay in this Sheffield Wednesday side, proving to be a vital cog of a defence that’s actually proven to be shrewd under Thompson. Not only has he managed to put points on the board since stepping up, Thompson has managed four clean sheers since the turn of the year.
This weekend they host Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday could for a second time this season deal a Championship manager their final game – they dealt Jason Tindall his last at Bournemouth, and could well deal Aitor Karanka his at Birmingham.
But as for Urhoghide, he looks to have a really bright future ahead of him, and he’ll no doubt be in contention to start v Birmingham City this weekend.
