Sheffield Wednesday ended their three-game losing run in the Championship with a 3-0 win over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday and Alessio Da Cruz came away with praise from supporters for his impressive performance. The 23-year-old has come in criticism since joining on loan, but Da Cruz had his best game in a Wednesday shirt over the weekend and may be giving Garry Monk a lot to ponder in terms on a permanent move this summer.
Yesterday was a real example of how games can go when we get an early goal and finish more chances. It was nice to finally see us convert that dominant play into a dominant score line. Windass, Luongo, Da Cruz, Murphy, Harris and Bannan all had brilliant games #SWFC
— Joe 📝 (@DeLudoScribo) July 12, 2020
Hunt looked very good on his first start, Luongo outstanding, Harris worked his socks off. Da Cruz and Windass both very impressive. #swfc
— Tom Taylor-Batty (@TomTB1995) July 11, 2020
https://twitter.com/SWFCLineups/status/1282016197932875777?s=20
Much more like it today, not gonna get carried away as we really need to take a lot more of our chances, Harris magnificent defensively, Windass and Da Cruz impressive. Special mention for Odubajo today, flawless performance from him, need the same Tuesday now! #swfc
— Pat (@Pat_Stothard) July 11, 2020
I want us to sign da cruz on a permanent IF we can get him cheap, his driving runs with the ball have been great and crucial. #swfc
— Matty yelnats (@MatthewStanle19) July 12, 2020
Da Cruz is getting better and better at falling to the floor in front of goal. All that training is finally paying off. #SWFC #WAWAW
— Deluded Garry Monk (@deluded_garry) July 11, 2020
HAVE to sign Josh Windass and I’d also like to see Da Cruz back on loan for a full season.
Murphy is a must to get back too, wether that’s a permanent or (more likely) on loan! #swfc
— Ash Finney (@AshFinney1) July 11, 2020
Against QPR, the £1.71m-rated wide-man played for 54 minutes, had 20 touches, won two aerial duels, completed 55.6% of his passes, created one chance which ended up an assist, had one shot, whipped in three crosses with 66.66% finding a teammate, made one dribble and won two free-kicks.
Da Cruz has gone on to make 13 appearances in all competitions, notching two assists. He’s yet to score a goal for Wednesday but has come close. The Owls have three games remaining this season, so there are still a handful of opportunities for Da Cruz to find the back of the net.
Wednesday have a buying option for the 23-year-old, so they can sign him permanently this summer if they see fit. More performances like Saturday will do wonders for Da Cruz’s chances.