In Focus: Archer signing can help Blades hit the target

Sheffield United are in dire need of a goalscorer.

The Yorkshire outfit have netted just twice in their opening three Premier League games after losing last season's top scorer Iliman Ndiaye to Marseille.

But they may have taken a step towards resolving their attacking issues with the £18million signing of Cameron Archer from Aston Villa.

Ahead of the Blades' bottom-of-the-table clash with Everton, we take a look at what the 21-year-old will bring to the their frontline.

Promising signs

Archer scored 11 goals in 20 Championship appearances on loan at Middlesbrough last season, as well as providing six assists.

Among players who made more than 10 second-tier appearances, he ranked third for goals per 90 minutes (0.72), while also registering the best goals per shot ratio in the division (0.30).

Joining Sheffield United is an obvious next step for Archer, who made only 10 Premier League outings for Aston Villa.

After signing for Paul Heckingbottom's outfit, he said: "Everyone is happy if they are playing football regularly. That's something I want to do now.

"I think it was important to come here and look for Premier League football. That was key for me because I want to make that next step now and challenge myself.

"Sheffield United have a long history of developing players in terms of playing and hopefully making better people as well."

Tough assignment

The Blades will hope Archer hits the ground running at Bramall Lane, as there has been a dearth of creativity at the newly-promoted side so far this term.

United have registered just six shots on target, with only Luton (four) and Burnley (three) managing less prior to Matchday 4 kicking off — and both those teams had played a game fewer.

Heckingbottom's side also rank bottom of the Premier League for chances created (10), while only Burnley have recorded a lower xG.

Exciting talent

With the need for more attacking dynamism clear, Heckingbottom's aim will be to make Archer the focal point of his team's attack.

The Blades boss said: "There was a great opportunity for us to sign a young, exciting forward and one who showed a desire to join us.

"Cameron brings us pace, agility and a goalscoring record — we are looking forward to working with him."

Archer has also earned praise from new team-mate John Egan, who was part of a Sheffield United defence that was breached twice by the forward in a 3-1 win for Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane last term

The Irish defender added: "He's a really good player, a quality striker. Young, fast, a good finisher. Really good."

Step up

The step up from the Championship to the Premier League will be the next big test for Archer, who found himself behind Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran in the pecking order at Villa.

But his rise has still been relatively rapid. Only three years ago he was on loan at Solihull Moors in the National League.

Archer has scored regularly throughout his young career and will be targeting a debut goal against Everton in what already looks a huge game at the bottom of the Premier League table.