When Sheffield United paid around £10 million to bring in Vinicius Souza over the summer, they did so in the hope that the rangy Brazilian could be the glue which held Paul Heckingbottom’s Premier League newcomers together.
But as the hapless Yorkshiremen fell apart again on Saturday – relegation rivals Bournemouth cruising to a 3-1 win at Bramall Lane – it was the one-time Celtic target who found himself facing an avalanche of criticism from a band of increasingly disillusioned Sheffield United supporters.
And with good reason.
If Vini Souza’s job is to protect Heckingbottom’s defence, then it’s fair to say he is hardly doing what is expected of him at present. With 34, Sheffield United have conceded the most goals in the division. And the mere fact that Souza has started all but one of their games so far is a rather damning indictment of his impact. Or, more appropriately, a lack thereof.
Souza was labelled ‘incredible’ during his time in Belgium, winning the most tackles in the league to attract the attention of Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic. Since finally making a move to Britain 12 months on, however, he has looked less ‘incredible’ and more ‘inneffective’.
“Signed as United’s supposed midfield enforcer but they were so easy to play through at times,” the Sheffield Star wrote after that Bournemouth hammering, Souza given a 3/10 for a performance brought to an end at half-time.
“Bournemouth (were) creating chances for fun and causing issues with their movement and incisive passing through the middle of the park.
“Made way at the break and can have few complaints. Souza struggled to cope.”
Relegated on loan at Espanyol in 2022/23, it would be a major surprise if Souza avoided a second demotion in succession, Sheffield United’s 8-0 obliteration at the hands of Newcastle summing up both their and his season so far.
Of course, things could have been a lot different for Souza north of the border. Celtic are used to dominating games domestically, in stark contrast to a Blades side back in the top-flight after a couple of seasons in the Championship.
But, still, excuses and hopes are already wearing thin for Souza and Sheffield United.