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Heading into the fifth Matchweek of the new season, Adrian Clarke looks at players who are enjoying a dream return to the Premier League.
Stevens is proving integral to Sheffield United's bright start to 2019/20 seven seasons on from his first spell in the top flight.
He first appeared in the competition in 2012/13 when he made seven appearances for Aston Villa.
Now the Irishman is back with a bang with the Blades sitting 10th in the table ahead of hosting Southampton on Saturday.
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Though a defender, Stevens poses a significant attacking threat.
Alongside Jamal Lewis, of Norwich City, he is the joint-most effective dribbler among full-backs in the Premier League.
He has completed 12 of his 14 dribbles and demonstrated a great understanding of when to time his left-wing raids.
We saw this at Chelsea when he nutmegged Cesar Azpilicueta before picking out Callum Robinson with a terrific pull-back.
Enda Stevens = Baller 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QJMwBImR1K
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) September 2, 2019
That wonderful assist will not be the last time we see Stevens delivering quality end-product.
His style of play lends a dynamic thrust to a side not blessed with many dribblers.
Midfielder Luke Freeman is the next best in the team at beating opponents, but he has managed only five successful dribbles to date.
| Player | Team | Dribbles completed |
|---|---|---|
| Enda Stevens | Sheff Utd | 12 |
| Jamal Lewis | Norwich | 12 |
| Ricardo Pereira | Leicester | 11 |
| Max Aarons | Norwich | 9 |
| Arthur Masuaku | West Ham | 9 |
Indeed only four other players in the division have taken the ball past an opponent more often than Stevens this season.
| Player | Team | Dribbles completed |
|---|---|---|
| Nicolas Pepe | Arsenal | 15 |
| Wilfried Zaha | Crystal Palace | 13 |
| Mateo Kovacic | Chelsea | 13 |
| Manuel Lanzini | West Ham | 13 |
| Enda Stevens | Sheff Utd | 12 |
Chris Wilder encourages his side to play with passion and adventure, qualities prevalent in the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
And Stevens is a player who typifies his manager's philosophy.
Aggressive in his attitude, and bold in possession, the 29-year-old has been outstanding in the early weeks.
Wilder likes his two wing-backs to hug the touchline in order to stretch the pitch as wide as possible.
Stevens has enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening four matches and has shown a great willingness to travel with the ball at his feet.
However, he has also caught the eye with his defensive capabilities.
The left wing-back's natural combativeness has served him well playing across all three tiers of the Football League.
In Wilder's 3-5-2 formation Stevens spends most of his time out wide between both penalty boxes.
In that area of the pitch he has been a forceful presence, winning nine tackles from 14 attempts.
| Player | Club | Tackles won |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Wan-Bissaka | Man Utd | 18 |
| Erik Pieters | Burnley | 13 |
| Ricardo Pereira | Leicester | 11 |
| Enda Stevens | Sheff Utd | 9 |
| Arthur Masuaku | West Ham | 9 |
| Emerson | Chelsea | 9 |
Providing balance, strength and a positive outlet on the left flank, Stevens has been a key performer for Wilder's side so far.
Although it is still early days in the 2019/20 campaign Stevens, like his team, is showing signs that he can hold his own in the Premier League.
Part 2: Abraham repaying Lampard faith with goals
Part 3: Mings a growing influence at Aston Villa
