Opinion: Sheffield Wednesday exit turning into a nightmare for 22-year-old defender
Matt Penney joined FC St Pauli on a season-long loan in August 2019 and was initially a regular at the Millerntor-Stadion, but he now finds himself on the periphery after suffering a long-term injury and may wonder if he’s going to return to the starting eleven before the campaign comes to a close.
The 22-year-old has made 10 appearances in all competitions for St Pauli, racking up less than 700 minutes of playing time. As per WhoScored, Penney has won 50% of his aerial duels, completed 75.1% of his 217 passes, had eight successful dribbles (42%), blocked eight shots/passes/crosses, made nine clearances and averaged a tackle (15) or interception (9) every 25 minutes.
He featured in seven of Kiezkicker’s nine Bundesliga II games between August and November but has only made two appearances in three months due to injury. Penney returned in St Pauli’s 3-0 defeat to Greuther Fürth (January 28, 2020) and 1-1 draw with Vfb Stuttgart (February 1), but he’s been on the bench for their last two games.
Jos Luhukay has recently preferred Sebastian Ohlsson over the 22-year-old at left-back, so it remains to be seen if Penney can get his spot back in the side. And with his deal at Sheffield Wednesday being up in July, he’ll be desperate to put himself in the shop window for potential suitors.