Sheffield Wednesday’s starting line-up pretty much wrote itself after their 4-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.
Not a single player was droppable after their Championship opener, with fans quickly discovering how brilliant the signings of Svante Ingelsson and Yan Valery would be.
The latter was named Sky Sports’ Man of the Match for Sheffield Wednesday, before he was rested for their Carabao Cup clash midweek.
The pressure was on Pol Valentin against Hull City, as he looked to force his way into Danny Rohl’s plans.
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Yan Valery has given Rohl something to consider
The Spaniard became a ‘fan favourite’ last season, but quickly looked set for a place on the bench due to Valery’s brilliant debut.
However, the Frenchman’s ‘rough day’ on Wearside may have given Rohl a decision to reconsider.
Valery had a fairly easy day against Plymouth last week, with their lack of quality meaning he as able to push forward and add a huge attacking threat.
However, the right-back came up a much more talented winger in Jack Clarke this time round and really struggled.
Valery had only 29 touches, 58% passing accuracy, completed zero crosses and zero dribbles, won 38% of his duels and lost possession 12 times.
The 25-year-old was criticised for his display at full-time, receiving a four rating from The Star. Journalist Alex Miller wrote: “Got stuck in but rarely looked comfortable. In possession he had a rough day. Was he out of position for the fourth? Taken off on 53 minutes to make way for Valentin.”
Could Valery be a liability defensively?
Valery excited fans with his forward moves last week, but the trip to Sunderland suggested he may have a slight defensive weakness.
Valentin was part of the team that picked up eight clean sheets in the final 18 matches of last term, drastically improving his defensive capabilities under Rohl.
The Spaniard will be eager to return to the line-up, and Valery’s disappointment could well give the German a decision to make ahead of their meeting with Leeds United.
While the White have sold some of their biggest talents, Wilfried Gnonto is likely to go up against Wednesday’s right-back and will absolutely destroy Valery if he plays like he did at the weekend.
The defender definitely deserves a second chance though, just like the rest of the underperforming players, but Rohl will definitely be keeping an eye on him and wondering whether he needs to play Valentin or even Liam Palmer depending on their opponents.