Sheffield Wednesday look set for a much-improved 2024/25 season in the Championship.
Although it’s early days into the summer, and early days into what is going to be Danny Rohl’s first full season in charge of Sheffield Wednesday, hopes are high for the 2024/25 campaign.
After their dramatic turnaround in the second half of last season and their impressive summer transfer haul so far, many are tipping the Owls to drastically improve on their 20th place league finish from last time round.
Many might even back the Owls to be dark horses in the race for top six which, given their form under Rohl last season, wouldn’t be overly-ambitious.
The Sheffield Wednesday starting XI may look very different to the one we saw against Sunderland on the final day of last season.
And one man who may face an uncertain season ahead is Callum Paterson. But there’s reason to believe he could play an important role next season.
Callum Paterson for Sheffield Wednesday in 2023/24
Paterson is a very well-liked player at Sheffield Wednesday; not only is he a workhorse and a very versatile player, but he boasts genuine quality at Championship level too.
The 29-year-old managed just 25 appearances in the Championship last time round with injury spells keeping him on the sidelines for large parts.
Paterson also failed to score, grabbing just one assist. But he returned for the final six games of the season and played a part in all of them, showcasing why he’s so important to the side.
Why Callum Paterson will be crucial for Sheffield Wednesday in 2024/25
Paterson is someone who can play across the pitch. And as it goes, Sheffield Wednesday have bolstered across the pitch so far this summer, leaving Paterson looking like someone who’ll play a back-up role next season.
But with Rohl set to play an intense style of football, there’s bound to be injuries across the pitch, particularly along the flanks, and that’s where Paterson might become so crucial.
He could play the typical ‘utility man’ role for Sheffield Wednesday next season, filling in wherever he’s needed and giving Sheffield Wednesday that added power and experience in the side.
What’s more is that Paterson proved in the final weeks of last season how much of an impact he can have off the bench; he compliments the high press very well, unnerving opposition defenders and giving Sheffield Wednesday a second wind in attack.
Although he may not play a starring role next season, Paterson still looks set to play an important one.