Sheffield United winger Tahith Chong's rollercoaster summer
Sheffield United winger Tahith Chong is looking to rewrite the story of his first season at Bramall Lane after a historic World Cup and a fresh injury scare on the opening day of the new campaign.
Chong, 26, was half an hour into his first start of the season when he suffered an injury at Mansfield Town. The winger will be fine, according to boss Chris Wilder, who insisted that the injury was precautionary.
Chong's World Cup experience with Curacao has given him a new perspective on the game. He said, "It's crazy, but I think it hasn't even properly sunk in yet. Because, as a player, you're still focused on the next objective, really. Which is, obviously, here now with Sheffield United."
Chong showed promising signs in pre-season, scoring in successive friendly wins over Huddersfield Town and Rotherham United. He earned the nod over Romelle Donovan down the right for Sunday's season opener at Mansfield.
Chong's biggest battle of his first season at Bramall Lane was timing, not talent. Signed from Luton with plenty of expectation, Chong succumbed to injury early on and spent much of the campaign trying to catch a United side that, for a while at least, was finding its feet without him.
What comes next for Chong?
Chong is determined to make a positive impact at Bramall Lane this season. He said, "You kind of feel like you're playing a bit of catch-up. The team is doing well so you've got to sit and wait until you get your opportunities. As a player that's difficult because you might get one game and then sit for a few weeks again. But that's football."
Chong's experience will help him this season
Chong's experience playing for Curacao at the World Cup has given him a new perspective on the game. He said, "I don't think experience comes with age. It just comes with the things you've gone through during your time. I think it's weird to say, but you kind of enjoy those low moments as well because once you go through them, you're stronger for it."
Chong's focus is on the season ahead
Chong's focus is on the season ahead and making a positive impact at Bramall Lane. He said, "The main focus is back here and trying to do the best I can. I don't think it's sunk in yet. I think it's one of those where, probably, once the career's done, once the career's finished, you kind of look back at it."
Chong's injury scare on the opening day
Chong suffered an injury on the opening day of the season at Mansfield Town. The winger will be fine, according to boss Chris Wilder, who insisted that the injury was precautionary.
Chong's pre-season form
Chong showed promising signs in pre-season, scoring in successive friendly wins over Huddersfield Town and Rotherham United. He earned the nod over Romelle Donovan down the right for Sunday's season opener at Mansfield.
