Sheffield Wednesday’s opening Championship game showed the progress that Danny Rohl’s side have made.
Sheffield Wednesday managed to grab a win in their first fixture of the 2024/25 Championship campaign as they beat Plymouth Argyle 4-0.
Wayne Rooney’s side struggled to match the new-look Sheffield Wednesday side across the pitch as from the first minute Danny Rohl’s side was able to cause Havoc.
Owls fans were in awe of the club’s new signings, in particular Svante Ingelsson, who bossed the midfield.
Jamal Lowe also impressed after he scored on his debut in the first half, whilst wingers Djeidi Gassama and Anthony Musaba wreaked havoc.
After what was a brilliant showing from Rohl’s side, here are five things that we learned as Sheffield Wednesday won on the opening day of the Championship season.
- READ MORE: Former Sheffield Wednesday loanee is now for ‘sale’ as Danny Rohl continues midfielder hunt
Svante Ingelsson works perfectly alongside Barry Bannan in midfield
It was by no means a certainty that Ingelsson was going to start in Sheffield Wednesday’s Championship opener, especially with new signing Nathaniel Chalobah a solid option for the Owls.
However, the Swedish midfielder showed that he complements Owls captain Barry Bannan perfectly well in the centre-of-the-park, with Ingelsson providing a physical edge and an ability to break down the opposition’s play, whilst also running non-stop and being very successful in a high press.
Ingelsson providing this role gave Bannan even more freedom at centre-midfield when it came to playmaking.
It didn’t take long for the pair to link up after Bannan set up Ingelsson in the 36th minute, who was able to put it on a plate for Lowe to get his and Sheffield Wednesday’s first goal of the campaign.
- READ MORE: Sheffield Wednesday fans face being ‘asked to leave’ Hillsborough today as club issues ‘ridiculous’ statement
Yan Valery has transformed the right flank offensively
In Yan Valery’s competitive debut with the Owls, he was able to completely transform the right-side of Rohl’s side, particularly when on the attack.
The Tunisian international came in with a lot of promise from spells in the Premier League and Ligue 1, and it looked as if Valery was in a league of his own at times throughout the game.
Valery was troubling Plymouth Argyle full-back Nathaniel Ogbeta at every single opportunity, and there was many occasions where the former Southampton man was able to send in a beautiful cross in an attempt to find Jamal Lowe.
- READ MORE: Sheffield Wednesday fans will love what Lee Gregory did after scoring v Barnsley on Mansfield debut
Sheffield Wednesday players have taken on Danny Rohl’s criticism of movement
When Rohl first took over at Sheffield Wednesday, it was staggering how well he was able to galvanise the squad and turn around a side that didn’t manage a single league win under Xisco Munoz.
The German boss was able to replicate that transformation yet again with every player in the squad playing at the peak of their physicality in many aspects.
Rohl had previously made it clear that he wanted more running off the ball from his side, and this was evident across the pitch as Plymouth Argyle often struggled to string several passes together as a result of the tight press from Rohl’s ranks.
- READ MORE: Josh Windass and Anthony Musaba message Ike Ugbo after sealing Sheffield Wednesday return
Jamal Lowe perfectly fits the poacher mould for Danny Rohl’s side
The Owls often struggled last season without a striker who could guarantee goalscoring output at this level, with Michael Smith showing that he struggled to live up to the heights he hit in the 2022/23 League One season.
Bailey Cadamarteri came into the side last season, however Rohl wanted more assured and consistent quality to lead the line, and he has undoubtedly found that in Lowe.
After such a brilliant debut for the Owls, it will be a surprise to see big signing Ike Ugbo get a start anytime soon as the former Bournemouth and Swansea City striker was able to prove he has the athleticism and ability to make a significant difference this season.
Anthony Musaba looked dangerous but missed finishing touch
Musaba on the wing was able to cause serious havoc throughout the match for Rooney’s side, and he did incredibly well in creating chances for Rohl’s side.
The winger’s dribbling abilities put him on par with the best in the Championship and if he can carry that on throughout the season then he will be crucial for Sheffield Wednesday.
Despite being able to fashion several chances, Musaba’s achilles heel appears to be that finishing touch when in front of goal, and there were many occasions that saw him struggle to get a shot on target.