As Sheffield United embarked on a fifth straight season in England’s third tier in August, expectations were higher than ever.
With new manager Nigel Adkins in charge and seemingly brimming with positivity, Blades fans thought that they had a genuine chance of storming the league if Adkins could install an attacking mentality which had been missing under previous manager Nigel Clough.
Fast forward seven months, and the Bramall Lane outfit find themselves no closer than before and, in some fans eyes, further away from automatic promotion than ever.
However, there is one positive at the Lane among a squad of average players, in that they do possess a few players who could well play at a higher level and achieve more.
The Blades have a rich history of producing from their Academy, and this has continued in to this season.
Here at FLW, we take a look at FIVE Sheffield United players who could make the step up to the Premier League one day......
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!
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Che Adams
There isn't really anywhere to start with an article like this on Sheffield United, than Che Adams.
Already sought after by numerous Premier League clubs, Adams has been touted for a move all season should the fee be right.
Adams has impressed this season and is second only to Billy Sharp in the scoring ranks, with manager Nigel Adkins making him a first team regular.
The attacker signed from non league Ilkeston, and is a prime example of the talent available in the lower leagues.
Louis Reed
The 18-year-old midfielder made his debut as 16-year-old and has always looked assured on the ball when he has played.
Although small in stature and still looking like a young boy, Reed has plenty of fight in him to go with the quality he clearly possesses.
Reed has been in and out of the team this season as Adkins has looked to manage his game time and develop him, but he has started quite a few of the latest round of games, and looks a sure bet to make it to a higher level in his career.
George Long
The talented goalkeeper has already made well over 100 appearances for his boyhood club and has made the number one jersey his own this season following a tussle with Mark Howard over the past few seasons, as to who the number 1 should be.
Long has already been recognised by the England under-21 set up and looks a dead cert to make it to the Premier League one day.
He excelled during his first season, keeping over 20 clean sheets, and although he has not yet his those heights since, he looks a brilliant prospect and a keeper who is certain to have a long successful career.
Dominic Calvert Lewin
Breaking into the team in the last few months is the rangy striker, another product of the academy down at the Lane.
Calvert Lewin impressed while on loan at Northampton this season and looks to have all the attributes to make it as a top striker in the game.
Physically already a presence, time is on his side and he will be looking to hit his first United goal before the season is out with the hope of securing a regular starting berth next season.
Diego De Girolamo
The man known just as 'Diego" at United has not made a first team appearance as yet this season, but is finding his way back to form and fitness in the under 21s having suffered a spate of injuries last term.
The talent is there for all to see with the Italian, and it may not be long before a bigger wealthier club takes a punt on him.
He impressed during a loan spell with York during last season, but needs to show that form in the first team at some point.
However, he has already attracted attention from European giants like Juventus and AC Milan, something which will not have gone unnoticed by some of the Premier Leagues big boys.
Blades fans, what do you think? Agree? All young lads in this article, is anyone else worth adding from the current squad? Let us know in the comments!