Sheffield Wednesday favorite can play improved role next season despite sore 2023/24

After their dramatic turnaround in the second half of last season and their impressive summer transfer so far, many are tipping the Owls to drastically improve on their 20th place finish in the league from last round.

Many could even back the Owls to be dark horses in the race for the top six, which, given their form under Rohl last season, wouldn’t be too ambitious.

Sheffield Wednesday’s starting XI may look very different to the one we saw against Sunderland on the final day of last season.

And one man who could face an uncertain season is Callum Paterson. But there’s reason to believe he could play a big role next season.

Callum Paterson for Sheffield Wednesday in 2023/24

Paterson is a highly regarded player at Sheffield Wednesday; not only is he a workhorse and a very versatile player, but he boasts genuine and championship-level quality.

The 29-year-old managed just 25 league appearances last term, with spells of injury keeping him on the sidelines for large parts.

Paterson also failed to score, getting just one assist. But he returned for the last six games of the season and played a role in all of them, showing why he is so important to the team.

Why Callum Paterson will be crucial for Sheffield Wednesday in 2024/25

Paterson is someone who can play on the field. And further, Sheffield Wednesday have strengthened up the pitch so far this summer, leaving Paterson looking like someone who will play a back-up role next season.

But with Rohl set to play an intense style of football, there are likely to be injuries down the pitch, particularly on the flanks, and that’s where Paterson could become so crucial.

He could play the typical ‘utility man’ role for Sheffield Wednesday next season, filling in wherever needed and giving Sheffield Wednesday that extra strength and experience in the side.

Furthermore, Paterson showed in the final weeks of last season just how much 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.

While he may not play a starring role next season, Paterson still looks set to play a big one.

Similar topics