Danny Rohl may already know who his most improved Sheffield Wednesday player will be next season.
Sheffield Wednesday and Danny Rohl look set for an exciting 2024/25 season, and set for a drastic improvement on their 2023/24 campaign.
Although a 20th place finished marked an incredible turnaround in S6, Rohl, the players, and the fans are ready to put the difficulties of last season behind them.
This summer has started strongly. Rohl first of all signed a new deal, then going on to welcome six new signings; many of whom were signed when Rohl wasn’t even in the country.
It suggests a newfound organisation at Hillsborough and a newfound ambition and long-term vision under controversial owner Dejphon Chansiri.
The first-team competition looks to have increased with the arrivals of summer signings, with the acquisitions of Yan Valery, Svante Ingelsson, and Olaf Kobacki looking particularly exciting.
And the arrival of Valery from Angers may see drastic improvements to one Owls player.
Pol Valentin situation at Sheffield Wednesday after Yan Valery arrival
Sheffield Wednesday had just one out and out right-back before the arrival of Valery; Pol Valentin.
The Spaniard was arguably Sheffield Wednesday’s most improved player last season, coming into his own under Rohl in a more fast-paced and exciting team, playing in the right wing-back position.
With Valery arriving, it gives Valentin some stern competition for the starting spot.
It also gives Rohl a bit of freedom with the shape, with Valentin likely to be viewed as the starting right-back in a back-five, and Valery in a back-four after he shone for Angers in that set up last season.
Either way, Valery’s arrival will likely bring even more out of Valentin, who showed last season that he can cut it in the Championship, but that he also still has plenty of room for improvement.
Which other Sheffield Wednesday players could improve in 2024/25
Valentin having Valery for competition in the Sheffield Wednesday first-team is good for Rohl, as it’ll push both players to improve their games and maintain form.
We could also see that across the squad, likely more so in attack now with Josh Windass having signed a new contract, and with Jamal Lowe and Kobacki joining.
Those three, along with the likes of Michael Smith and Bailey Cadamarteri, will have to really prove their worth to Rohl if they’re to play regular football next season.
It could also keep the likes of Djeidi Gassama and Anthony Musaba on their toes, with Kobacki and Lowe able to play on the wings.
Overall, new signings at Sheffield Wednesday, and new competition for the starting XI, can only help the players grow and improve together.