Will Brereton Diaz fire Blades to safety?

Joe Bradshaw, BBC Sport

Last week's capture of Ben Brereton Diaz on loan has prompted hopes the former Blackburn Rovers man can provide the goals to haul Sheffield United out of trouble.

But does his history suggest that is likely?

Before summer 2021, Brereton Diaz had struggled to catch fire in east Lancashire. Despite being an ever-willing worker, his finishing was erratic and he lacked the poacher's instinct to be in the right place at the right time.

However, his form turned around when he was picked by Chile - as a result of his mother's nationality - for the Copa America. He added Diaz to his surname and became a cult hero.

He scored twice in that competition and came back to England on a hot streak, netting 20 goals before the end of 2021 as Rovers challenged Fulham and Bournemouth for automatic promotion.

Unfortunately, he tired after Christmas - as did his team - and scored just two goals in 14 fixtures, as well as being hampered by injury.

It was a similar story last season – an impressive start fizzling out after the World Cup with just three goals in 22 Championship games before two on the final day.

He has at least got a goal at Bramall Lane - a confident FA Cup penalty last year - and that puts him higher than some of his new team-mates given the Blades' bluntness so far this season.

This is a player who is exceptional when he is hot - but when he is not, he's a toiling left winger who rarely threatens.

After half a season kicking his heels at Villarreal, Brereton Diaz returns home with a definite point to prove. Undoubtedly, he will put in the hard yards to try to make his time at Sheffield United a success.

However, will he come with the confidence he clearly needs to hit the ground running? And will he even get chances in the Premier League, given the huge step up in quality of defenders, and the fact he does not naturally operate down the middle?

Expect a determined, hard-working and eminently likeable character.

Do not expect an avalanche of goals.