A number of Sheffield Wednesday players came in for criticism after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Barnsley. The Owls picked up a point at a difficult ground, but supporters weren’t happy with a lot of the performances. Tom Lees was one player blasted on social media for his contribution over the 90 minutes.
The 29-year-old was handed his first start for Wednesday since New Year’s Day and didn’t have the best afternoon. He was wasteful in possession, made a number of fouls and didn’t do a convincing job shutting out Barnsley’s attackers.
Tom Lees is a horrible footballer, tragic with his feet #swfc
— Jack (@jkilby90) February 8, 2020
Well, that was abysmal from @swfc Dawson, Borner and Lees useless. What are we doing in training? We need to get a grip in midfield, oh for a couple of players who can pass the ball. #shocking
— John Ellison💙 ♿️ 🇵🇸 🦉 SWFC Blues Guitarist (@johnellison) February 8, 2020
Borner and Lees having an absolute shocker #swfc
— Ashley (@Ashley_Wilson96) February 8, 2020
https://twitter.com/JoeBryden88/status/1226163144587927552?s=20
Bannan, Lees, Borner, Pelupessy absolute disgraceful today #swfc
— Rhys Nuttall (@rwn1992) February 8, 2020
Against the Tykes, Lees made 54 touches, won six aerial duels, completed 51.5% of his 33 passes, had one shot, made seven clearances, whipped in one cross, made two tackles, gave away two fouls, made three interceptions and had one unsupported touch. The central defender has made 20 appearances in all competitions, but he’s not been a regular in recent weeks.
Lees was left out of the matchday squad in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Leeds United (January 11) due to illness, he started on the bench in their 5-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers (January 18) and 2-1 defeat to Wigan Athletic (January 28) and was an unused substitute in the Owls’ 0-0 draw with Millwall (February 1).
Garry Monk may have a decision to make whether to keep Lees in the starting eleven against Luton Town on Wednesday evening.