HIGHLIGHTS
- Ben Sheaf’s standout performance against Manchester United highlights his quality in midfield for Coventry City.
- Sheaf’s consistent performance throughout the season may attract interest from Premier League clubs looking to bolster their squad.
- Coventry will need to fight to keep Sheaf, as his desire to play at a higher level could lead him to consider leaving the club this summer.
Ben Sheaf has arguably been Coventry City’s best player this season as they look to bounce back from play-off heartbreak.
Ben Sheaf was arguably Coventry’s best player against Manchester United, and it will gain attention from other clubs ahead of a potential summer move.
The Sky Blues lost out to Luton Town at Wembley Stadium last season in the play-off final, losing on penalties.
But they are hoping to make the top six once again this season. They are currently sitting in eighth place and are nine points off of the play-off places with four games to play, leaving them as huge outsiders.
They have managed to get to Wembley once again this season regardless, reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where they were narrowly defeated on penalties by Manchester United after thrilling 3-3 draw and an epic three-goal comeback.
Sheaf once again stole the show for Coventry, this time at Wembley.
Ben Sheaf was imperious against Manchester United
Since Gustavo Hamer left Coventry last summer, Sheaf has been one of the team’s best players, playing a better midfield than he has ever done.
Given how excellent Sheaf has been, you could forgive people for forgetting that Hamer left in the summer. Sheaf demonstrated his abilities against Premier League opponents once more.
The 26-year-old was on the pitch for the whole 120 minutes as Coventry came dangerously close to winning one of the most memorable FA Cup semi-finals ever. By the hour mark, Man United had taken a 3-0 lead and appeared to be winning easily.
Nevertheless, Coventry had fallen behind three goals in the final 20 minutes, forcing the Red Devils into extra time, thanks to goals from Ellis Simms, Callum O’Hare, and an injury-time penalty from Haji Wright.
Before it was disallowed by VAR because Wright was judged offside during the build-up, Victor Torp believed he had scored the game’s winning goal in the 120th minute. They would then lose on penalties, with Sheaf tragically missing Coventry’s last-gasp penalty.
However, Sheaf was the focal point of Coventry’s midfield. In a high-pressure game, he finished 66 out of 73 passes (90%) and had four shots, seven accurate long balls, and two successful dribbles. These stats demonstrate his composure and calmness when handling the ball.
Sheaf had to play a lot of defence because United had 28 shots, which he did expertly. He prevailed in eight ground duels, four aerial duels, eleven recoveries, and all four of his tackles.
Coventry needs to get ready for a surge in interest in Ben Sheaf.
With Sheaf’s performance on national television, it is bound to gain attention from some Premier League clubs. He has already gained praise this season, as he has played well on a consistent basis in the Championship so far.
| Ben Sheaf’s 23/24 stats (league only, as of 23/04/24, as per FotMob) | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 28 |
| Minutes | 2335 |
| Pass accuracy | 85.1% |
| Dribble success rate | 55.2% |
| Touches per 90 | 81.0 |
| Tackles won % | 58.4% |
| Duels won % | 54.6% |
| Aerial duels won % | 44.4% |
| Recoveries per 90 | 7.55 |
The Premier League had reportedly expressed interest in Sheaf before, with Luton reportedly being particularly interested in the January transfer window.
Sheaf’s Coventry contract does not expire until 2026, so Coventry need not be concerned about losing Sheaf to a cheaper or free transfer.
But if the team doesn’t make the playoffs this year in addition to losing to opponents, Sheaf might consider leaving. Sheaf is one of those rare players that many of the lower-tier Premier League clubs may be looking to sign in the summer to bolster their squads for the upcoming campaign.
After losing Hamer in the summer, Coventry will need to remain steadfast if they hope to retain their midfield maestro. However, based on Sunday’s performance, he appears to be beginning to surpass the standard at which the Sky Blues will probably end up.
Of course, it’s unfair to imply that he would push a move, but it will ingrain in the player’s mind the desire to advance as fast as possible to the greatest level. This summer, leaving Coventry might be the path that offers that to him.
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