Michael Ihiekwe is one of multiple Sheffield Wednesday players who has come out with heavy praise after the 2-0 win over Millwall.
Sheffield Wednesday’s future in the Championship had been plunged into further doubt after a tough start to the year, picking up only one league win in their previous six games.
However, a gritty performance from the Owls saw Ike Ugbo and Anthony Musaba claim a first half double to gift the visitors all three points at The Den.
It leaves Danny Rohl‘s side only four points from safety in what was a huge win over 21st place Millwall.
The Sheffield Wednesday squad all put on a solid performance in the English capital, while Michael Ihiekwe was one star who was singled out for his display.
After giving him a rating of nine for The Star, journalist Alex Miller wrote: “There is a couple of moments that could have got hairy early doors. Threw his body at the cause on more than one occasion, a block on 68 minutes vital. A warrior on an afternoon that needed them.”
Is this a turning point for Sheffield Wednesday?
The defender has started five matches since the turn of the year and really proved his worth against The Lions.
Ihiekwe played the full 90 minutes against Millwall, making five clearances, two blocks and one interception.
He also made 47 touches, completed 25 passes and won two headers.
Sheffield Wednesday have won three of the last six league matches the 31-year-old has started and he is really beginning to look more reliable for the club, while Bambo Diaby has only managed to make one start in the last 12 games in all competitions as he falls further down the pecking order.
Ihiekwe has now made the third-most clearances in the squad (65) and the third-most shots blocked (11).
It has been an area of the pitch that the Owls have really struggled with this term, shipping in 52 goals in 33 games.
Danny Rohl’s side need to tighten up at the back if they are to save themselves this season, though two clean sheets in the last three games is certainly promising.
Sheffield Wednesday already appeared to have their ‘turning point’ before Christmas though and they weren’t able to keep it up in January. The team need to pick up some consistency in order to avoid the drop.