Sheffield Wednesday could’ve picked a few star players from their turnaround vs Norwich City on Tuesday.
Sheffield Wednesday found themselves two goals behind at the break.
But Danny Rohl inspired the comeback, making four changes and going more direct against the Canaries, with David Wagner calling Rohl the ‘German Tony Pulis’ after the game.
The Owls scored two goals from Will Vaulks corners, with Michael Ihiekwe and Michael Smith both on the scoresheet.
Danny Rohl substitutions vs Norwich City
We’ve never seen Rohl make a quadruple change before.
But his methods against Norwich City clearly worked, with Kristian Pedersen, Vaulks, Callum Paterson, and Pol Valentin all coming off the bench.
Paterson and Valentin appeared to come on at left wing-back and right wing-back respectively, with Vaulks in the middle providing crosses and long throws into the box.
It was a Sheffield Wednesday unlike what we’re accustomed to under Rohl.
They were much more direct and uninterested in passing from the back, though in situations like the one Wednesday find themselves in, this method of football often bears results.
Forget Callum Paterson, another Sheffield Wednesday player shone vs Norwich
Paterson came on at half-time and helped change the game.
In just his second game back from injury, the 29-year-old showcased what he’s all about; energy and power, and a drive to get forward and unsettle opposition players.
He’s a huge fan favourite at Hillsborough and it’s clear to see why.
But another name earned praise vs Norwich; Valentin.
The Spaniard actually shares a lot of similar traits to Paterson in that he’s very energetic and hard-working, and he also boasts a huge degree of technical ability.
The Star rated his performance vs Norwich 8/10, with Joe Crann writing:
“Came on to try and help Wednesday make some progress up the pitch, and did exactly that. Put a couple of dangerous balls into the box, and worked really hard up and down the right side. Played a huge role in the turnaround.”
As per Sofascore, the 27-year-old made 2 defensive actions, 6/11 passes (55% accuracy) with 27 touches of the ball, and an impressive 3 out of 7 duels won, despite only playing 45 minutes.
Pol Valentin gives Danny Rohl clear message at Sheffield Wednesday
Rohl has experimented in the last couple of games, playing with a back-four.
Against QPR, it worked well, but against Norwich, not so much.
Sheffield Wednesday need to be more defensive against the better teams, in a bid to be more attacking.
When soaking up the pressure, players like Valentin and Paterson can then burst out from the back and into the final third.
We saw it multiple times on Tuesday night and it’s a tactic that seems to work best for Sheffield Wednesday.
Valentin may well be a nailed on starter in the final four games, along with Paterson, with four absolutely crucial games coming up for Sheffield Wednesday.
Up next is a home game vs 19th place Stoke City.