Sheffield Wednesday held Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen to a 2-2 stalemate during pre-season.
With many key signings through the door, Danny Rohl’s priorities lie at ensuring his current squad are fit and ready for the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
The Owls kicked off their pre-season campaign away at Alfreton Town, with Josh Windass and Mallik Wilks getting their names on the scoresheet, however they were undone in a behind-closed doors friendly against Champions League outfit RB Salzburg.
Rohl is clearly keen on giving his side the toughest tests possible ahead of the new season, with Werder Bremen also proving to be tough, particularly after Sheffield Wednesday went 2-0 down after 47 minutes, however it was pulled back for the Owls to earn a solid 2-2 draw.
One attacker in particular shone for Rohl’s side against Werder Bremen, which suggests that he could play a crucial part in the German boss’ plans after a terrific performance.
Djeidi Gassama could kick on and become a key part in Sheffield Wednesday’s attack
Djeidi Gassama managed to score and level up the game late on against Werder Bremen, contributing massively to what can easily be described as a successful pre-season outing for Rohl’s side.
The other goalscorer was Anthony Musaba, who scored the first goal for the Owls.
The former French U20 international will look to build on this performance after a mixed 2023/24 campaign in which he scored just three goals in 35 league games.
He was handed just 14 starts in the Championship last season, however gametime increased once Rohl replaced former boss Xisco Munoz.
Gassama was crucial in key moments last season, notably the 2-0 away win at Queens Park Rangers where he contributed a goal and an assist.
Danny Rohl will be left with big decision over who starts at left-wing for Sheffield Wednesday in the league
Sheffield Wednesday’s opening friendly clash vs Alfreton Town was undoubtedly focused on getting players match-fit, however there were signs of promise from the likes of Wilks and Olaf Kobacki, who contributed a goal and assist respectively.
Unfortunately, Wilks has struggled with injuries throughout his tenure at Sheffield Wednesday and would be unlikely to be Rohl’s starting winger this season.
However, new winger Kobacki has shown plenty of promise since his arrival at S6, giving Rohl the task of working out who has earned a starting spot against Plymouth Argyle in the opening game of the 2024/25 Championship season.
Although Kobacki’s goal record in Poland is a big indicator towards him being able to make a significant contribution at this level, Gassama has been around the group longer and should be given the opportunity to build on his form during pre-season and prove that he has the capability of playing a key part for Rohl this campaign.