Sheffield Wednesday signed Alessio Da Cruz on loan from Parma in January to provide more creativity in attack, but the 23-year-old has struggled for form and playing time at Hillsborough.
Da Cruz has made seven appearances for the Owls without a goal or assist before the season was postponed due to Covid-19 and may not have done enough to convince Wednesday to trigger his buying option.
As per WhoScored, the Dutch wide-man has amassed 316 minutes of Championship football, created three chances, completed 80.3% of 71 passes, won only 14% of his aerial duels, made 10 successful dribbles (71%), had three shots with 33.33% accuracy, given away 11 fouls, whipped in six crosses with 33.33% accuracy and averaged a tackle (4) or interception (4) every 39 minutes.
Da Cruz has found himself behind Jacob Murphy and Kadeem Harris in the pecking order under Garry Monk, losing his starting place after a series of ineffective performances. The 23-year-old made three consecutive starts in the league against Barnsley, Luton Town and Reading before being reduced to 56 minutes of playing time in the four games that followed.
He was an unused substitute twice in February and hasn’t done enough to warrant selection over his competition. It’s worth noting that Da Cruz joined Parma in 2018 and has already been loaned out on three separate occasions. Wednesday took a gamble that hasn’t paid off, so it’s unlikely he’ll join permanently – yet another failed signing by a club trying to save money.
Da Cruz is one of five players brought in on loan this season (David Bates, Jacob Murphy, Connor Wickham, Josh Windass) and he’s one of four to have disappointed in a Wednesday shirt.
