It appears like the struggle for control on Sheffield Wednesday’s right flank has led to a ceasefire.
Pol Valentin, a right wing-back for the Owls in the Championship, started every game this season, mostly on the right of defence, while Yan Valery’s arrival in the summer seemed to push him into the depths.
But a tweak in set-up and injury to Wednesday vice-captain Liam Palmer appears to have opened up an opportunity for Valentin, who up until Saturday’s impressive late win at Coventry City had had to wait to force his way into a side he made 40 appearances for in a debut campaign that saw him earn a fond reputation among the club’s fan base. The Sky Blues run-out was his second start of the campaign and his first since Leeds United some six weeks earlier.
Valery has filled in for Palmer on the right side of the Owls’ three-man defence. Although the potential return of Dominic Iorfa and the Scotland international following the international break would complicate matters, Wednesday has been evenly balanced with Valentin widest right. It’s possible that Röhl has discovered something that could work in the place where a fierce rivalry for minutes previously existed because Valentin and Valery have both been outstanding.
Röhl stated to The Star, “There has been a connection between the two of them.” “This is football; we’ve tried it against Leeds before.” The fact that our team consists of two capable players is crucial. With Pol, things are a little bit different since you know what to expect, particularly when dribbling quickly on the offensive end. With Yan, however, you have a really powerful defensive player who can build up into a three or a four and fill a variety of roles. He mixes well.
“Both appeal to me and are in excellent condition. We’ll see how we can employ both in the upcoming weeks. There are a lot of games coming up, and as a manager, it’s a wonderful feeling when you have this choice.”
