Despite Sheffield Wednesday losing 2-1 to Cardiff City, supporters did reserve praise for one player on Sunday – Barry Bannan. The 30-year-old started alongside Sam Hutchinson in a deep-lying midfield role and came away with credit for his performance.
Bannan assisted Wednesday’s only goal of the game, floating in a deep corner for Tom Lees to head home. The Scotland international saw a lot of the ball over the 90 minutes and provided a real attacking threat through his creativity. No player on the pitch made more chances, had more touches or attempted more passes than Bannan, but he couldn’t steer Wednesday to victory.
Carried them all season Baz different class uto
— Louis (@LouisFairest) December 29, 2019
Without this man, we would be no where, the best player we have had in centre midfield since John Sheridan .. legend!!! 💙
— whitt (@whitto1987) December 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/Clock_work_Owl/status/1211530679189725186?s=20
https://twitter.com/hank04324803/status/1211635010232565760?s=20
Lets hope that january sees a sensible policy of trading. Dawson, börner, iorfa, bannan, loungo, Harris are the ones i would keep 100%. But depending on the price would probably let them all go bar bannan . Something needs to change. #swfc
— Sergej Odström (@SergejOdstrom) December 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/DLRWeciuJ/status/1211357025353060352?s=20
Against Cardiff, the midfielder made 94 touches, created five chances, had two shots with 50% accuracy, completed 76% of his 79 passes, whipped in six crosses with 50% accuracy, completed eight of his 17 long balls, made one tackle and made one successful dribble.
Bannan has made 24 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring and creating seven goals. The 30-year-old has been a consistent figure under Garry Monk and continues to perform regardless of the result, but Wednesday must turn things around on New Year’s Day.
The Owls face Hull City and need a result to ensure they don’t fall out of the Championship playoffs.
