Joey Pelupessy was heavily criticised by supporters after Sheffield Wednesday drew 1-1 with Barnsley on Saturday. The 26-year-old started alongside Barry Bannan in midfield but didn’t put in a convincing performance and could be dropped by Garry Monk as a result.
Pelupessy barely had a touch of the ball, frequently relinquished possession, gave away a number of fouls and was hauled off after an hour as a result. Kieran Lee replaced Pelupessy at Oakwell and may be in contention of starting ahead of the Dutchman against Luton Town on Wednesday evening.
Shocking today Pelupessy lad awful.
— Lewis (@LewBrealey) February 8, 2020
Pelupessy clapping everyone as he walks down tunnel after an absolute disgrace of a performance. Do one, along with Lees too #swfc
— Ashley (@Ashley_Wilson96) February 8, 2020
Pelupessy shouldn't be anywhere near the starting line up
— Wylde (@steve_wylde) February 8, 2020
Pelupessy is simply a headless chicken #GetShut
— Dave Cheetham (@udogcheets) February 8, 2020
Pelupessy is awful, gave 3-4 dangerous free kicks away and only 30 mins gone! #swfc
— Ian Cutts (@Cuttsy1982) February 8, 2020
Bannan, Lees, Borner, Pelupessy absolute disgraceful today #swfc
— Rhys Nuttall (@rwn1992) February 8, 2020
Against Barnsley, Pelupessy played for 65 minutes, made 23 touches, won two aerial duels, completed 58.8% of his 17 passes and made two interceptions. He failed to create a chance, gave away four fouls and failed to make a tackle.
The 26-year-old has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season, racking up only 505 minutes of Championship football.
Pelupessy hasn’t been a regular due to stiff competition from Lee, Sam Hutchinson, Massimo Luongo and Barry Bannan, but recent absences gave him a chance to prove his worth – Lee and Luongo were struggling with injuries while Hutchinson has was exiled from the first-team.
With Lee available for selection and Luongo returning, it’s hard to see Pelupessy keeping his place against Luton.