Two Sheffield Wednesday youngsters have been told they both need to fix one ‘problem’ if they are to make it in senior football.
Sheffield Wednesday have been wary of giving any of their academy players too much of an opportunity this season, with Bailey Cadamarteri the only one who has earned himself a regular spot in the match-day squad.
The Owls have spent a majority of the campaign battling relegation and so have mostly needed their experienced older players to lead the way, while there hasn’t been much of a chance to try out the potential stars from academy.
While Sam Reed is one player who has caught the eye with the U21s, two names that attracted attention in yesterday’s clash with Wigan Athletic were Joey Phuthi and Favour Onukwuli.
The pair were the ‘standout’ performers in a 2-0 win in the Professional U-23 Development League, with the pair combining to score the opener.
After an impressive campaign with the U21s, reports have claimed they are now both set for a contract extension too as they look to push their way into the senior team.
U21s pair will be ‘horrible to play against’
U21s coach Andy Holdsworth has reacted to the duo’s performance against Wigan, admitting there is still one ‘problem’ they need to fix.
Speaking to The Star, Holdsworth said: “They’re exciting. The problem we have with Joey and Favour is you get a sore throat after the game because you’re always screaming at them to do the defensive side.
“I think if we can get that into them as soon as possible and understand the principles that we try to do with them, they will give you that transition, they will give you that break on the counter attack to go and get more opportunities in the final third.
“They will be horrible to play against because they want to get the ball, they want to take you on, they want to get into the box and have more shots and crosses. That’s what we want from our wide players.
“So yes, pleased with them in small parts, not pleased with them in large parts, but at the end of the day, Joey has created and Favour has scored and they have had a part in creating numerous chances in the second half.”
Can they make their mark on the first team?
Joey Phuthi and Favour Onukwuli are still very young and inexperienced, with the latter still awaiting his senior debut.
There is still plenty of time to work on their defensive game, while their ability to move the ball forward, create chances and score goals is extremely promising for the senior team.
Danny Rohl is definitely the right man to help develop them and grow them as players, while we could potentially see him bring the pair into the senior team next season – whatever league they are in.
If the Owls are relegated then they could be given the opportunity to make a real impact in League One, with a number of other players likely to head for the exit door.
Fans will be hoping that doesn’t happen, but will also be eager to see some more young talents come through the academy.