Yan Valery Overshadowed as Sheffield Wednesday Star Falters When Danny Rohl Needed a Hero
Sheffield Wednesday may have lost the Steel City derby, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort. The Owls brought energy and spirit, especially in the first half, where they stifled Sheffield United’s attempts to control the game. By halftime, it even looked like Wednesday might be the ones to break the deadlock. Yet, when the Blades ultimately seized the lead in the second half, one player’s absence was particularly notable: Barry Bannan.
In the build-up, Wednesday legend Lee Bullen described Bannan as “crucial” for the derby, underscoring the need for experienced players to shine. However, Bannan struggled to assert himself. His influence was limited, with missed passes, lost duels, and an uncharacteristic lack of composure. Where Wednesday needed his leadership most, he fell short, and it was Sheffield United’s midfield, led by Vinicius Souza and Callum O’Hare, that found ways to exploit the Owls.
