Sheffield United have a long way to go before play-off football is confirmed, but the Blades remain in the driving seat with less than a third of the campaign remaining.

A number of star performers have arisen within manager Chris Wilder’s side since promotion from League One was secured last season, but the influence of midfielder Mark Duffy cannot be understated.

The 32-year-old has been exceptional, impressing in the middle of the park as the South Yorkshire side have defied all expectations to mount a play-off challenge, and this is what we have learnt about the player so far this season…

Duffy is approaching ten assists for the season, a fantastic record for a man who has played much of the campaign in a central midfield role.

The player has mastered the art of unlocking opposition defences this term, and the relationship he has formed with those around him and the mutual understanding has elevated Duffy into a position of prominence within this talented squad.

The 32-year-old appears to be getting better with age, and the Blades young stars look to the experienced man for guidance.

The five-foot-nine Scouser is excellent with the ball at his feet, but Wilder won’t be relying on the player to win too many aerial duels in the middle of the park.

Duffy is winning an average of 0.6 headers per game, a very low tally for a central midfielder, but one to be expected for a player of his stature.

His inability has caused problems at times when burly strikers drop into the midfield to challenge for flick ons, but Duffy’s ability with the ball at his feet more than makes up for his lack of height.

The loss of Coutts to a season-ending injury came as a huge blow to the club’s ambitions, but Duffy hasn’t certainly stepped up following the 29-year-old’s injury to ensure that the midfield unit hasn’t crumbled in the absence of the influential middle man.

Coutts had been one of the Blades most consistent performers, but Duffy has taken up the mantle as the reliable man in the middle, pulling the strings and working hard alongside the likes of John Lundstram, who conducts the majority of the defensive work.

Duffy has remained a willing runner and tracks back despite his history as an attack-minded player, and has become an extremely popular player at Bramall Lane in recent months following his excellent commitment to the team.

Blades fans, thoughts on Duffy?