Sheffield Wednesday weren’t at their best in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town, but Joey Pelupessy made a big impression. The 27-year-old wasn’t even starting the game, but he shone from the bench and was hailed by supporters on social media. Pelupessy saw a lot of the ball when introduced and turned over possession more than his teammates.
Never thought I’d say it, but pelupessy had a good game when he came on! #swfc
— Jordan Bellamy (@Bellamyswfc) July 14, 2020
Pelupessy played well. Really got stuck in. #swfc
— Steve Turner (@majortarantino) July 14, 2020
Pelupessy must be doping, looked class since he’s come on #swfc
— El (@Elliot14_Smith2) July 14, 2020
Never thought I’d say this but Pelupessy has been great since he’s come on #swfc
— Jack Meadows (@jackbizzlemeads) July 14, 2020
Pelupessy needs drug testing tonight playing some great stuff #swfc
— Luke M (@Beef_77) July 14, 2020
#swfc Huddersfield got what they came for and fatigue is definitely starting to tell in this restart. Unlike versus Preston, we weren't made to pay once personnel changed, though. Pelupessy had his best game for us, revelled in the scrappy contest Huddersfield wanted.
— Peter A. Løhmann (@ploehmann) July 14, 2020
Against Huddersfield, the £540k-rated midfielder played for 32 minutes, had 19 touches, completed 81.8% of his 11 passes, picked up a booking, had 100% accuracy from his three long balls, made four tackles, gave away two fouls and won one free-kick himself.
Pelupessy has struggled for regular playing time this season, making 21/49 appearances in all competitions under Garry Monk while only amassing 854 minutes of Championship football, but he may have played himself into the side after Tuesday.
The 27-year-old’s future looked uncertain at Wednesday this summer due to his expiring contract, lack of minutes and inconsistent form, but he signed a contract extension until 2021 and is now being given opportunities again.
If Pelupessy can replicate his Huddersfield performance when the Owls play Fulham on Saturday, he could slowly change the negative perception among fans going into next season.