One Sheffield Wednesday player put on a ‘standout’ performance against Leganes this weekend.
The Owls rounded off their preseason campaign with a goalless draw, meaning they have gone unbeaten in three of their four matches this summer.
Bar a 4-0 thrashing by RB Salzburg, Sheffield Wednesday have looked solid in their preparations and ended it with Liam Palmer’s testimonial against Leganes.
It was the 32-year-old that hit all the headlines as he captained the Owls ahead of his 15th season at Hillsborough, however it was one of his teammates whose performance really stood out this weekend.
Barry Bannan started alongside Palmer in midfield yesterday and put on a quality performance against the Spanish side.
Barry Bannan was ‘at the centre’ of everything
The veteran received huge praise for his display, with The Star awarding him a nine rating after the game.
Journalist Alex Miller wrote: “Very much at the centre of Wednesday’s world in possession. One threaded through-ball to Musaba was the work of artistry. Made a belting block to deny Escudero at short range. His quick-thinking was evident throughout. A standout.”
Despite approaching his 35th birthday later this year, Bannan remains a vital cog in Wednesday’s team.
He has aged like a fine wine and will almost definitely be one of the first names on Danny Rohl’s team-sheet next term, with the younger players having to work around him.
Sheffield Wednesday need to work around Bannan’s fitness
Bannan isn’t quite as busy in front of goal as he has been in previous campaigns, but he has proven his importance in other roles instead.
It was Palmer’s testimonial, but there is no denying that Bannan is another Wednesday legend and fans will hope that both stay at the club until they retire.
Hopefully supporters won’t see the midfielder slow down this season though, as his talent is very clearly still there.
With a busy schedule coming up, it is important that Rohl brings more options on board so that Bannan isn’t expected to play 90 minutes twice a week all season, as fitness will surely become more of an issue – especially with the intensity that Rohl expects his team to play at.