Sheffield Wednesday are in high spirits after their dominating 4-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.
There were high expectations set upon Sheffield Wednesday as soon as they avoided relegation last term, following it up with ten impressive signings.
Five of those made their debut starts against Plymouth – including James Beadle who had returned to the club for a second loan spell.
Jamal Lowe enjoyed an eye-catching appearance as he got off the mark early on, while Svante Ingelsson was another who surprised many fans with his performance.
One man who had everyone talking was Yan Valery, who was awarded Sky Sports’ Man of the Match award.
Danny Rohl opted to start the Frenchman instead of Pol Valentin, clearly gaining a soft spot for Valery following their time together at Southampton.
Danny Rohl told he has made an ‘absolutely outstanding’ signing
He certainly paid back the German’s trust with his display, and former striker Don Goodman praised him as ‘absolutely outstanding’ following his dream debut.
Speaking on Sky Sports (5:47pm), he said: “I just think that the player who has played well in the first half and the second half from the first minute to the minute he came off was Yan Valery. I have been super impressed with his display, both with and without the ball, defending and attacking. Absolutely outstanding addition.”
Yan Valery earned his place over Pol Valentin v Plymouth
Valery had 58 touches, made two key passes and completed 86% of his passes.
The full-back added so much threat to the right flank and combined really well with Ingelsson and Djeidi Gassama, proving really difficult for the Plymouth left-back to stop.
He also put in an impressive shift defensively too, making two clearances and three interceptions, as well as making the most successful tackles on the pitch (5).
Valentin impressed in the second half of last season so nobody would have blamed Rohl if he had stuck by him, but they will be delighted that he gave the opportunity to Valery instead.
The 25-year-old looks like an exceptional signing and kept Ibrahim Cissoko quiet, who was undeniably their best player this afternoon.
We can surely expect Valentin to start against Hull City in the Carabao Cup, but there is no doubt that Valery has comfortably claimed his spot in the backline.