Sheffield Wednesday threw away a 1-0 lead to Preston North End and ended up losing 3-1 at Hillsborough, leading to supporters criticising a number of players on social media. Liam Palmer and Dominic Iorfa were called out for their performances in defence, but Wednesday’s attack was also blasted – Alessio Da Cruz in particular.
After spurning a lot of chances in midweek, the 23-year-old was eventually hooked in the second half by Garry Monk and may not start against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
Seen nothing in dacruz in all appearances he has made. dont get how he is starting.#swfc
— Jordan Armitage (@Jordanswfcno1) July 8, 2020
He’s shocking. Bang below average
— stephen varns (@stevie1953) July 8, 2020
Can anybody say what Da Cruz offers? He is so ineffective. #swfc
— russell kenyon (@russellkenyon) July 8, 2020
https://twitter.com/TomScott1/status/1280948040640184327?s=20
https://twitter.com/bowieoasis81/status/1280948470946414593?s=20
Da Cruz needs to be furloughed #swfc
— Luke M (@Beef_77) July 8, 2020
Watching Da Cruz run around is like watching a daddy long legs doing that flying/bouncing thing near your light bulb#swfc
— OWLSTALK.CO.UK ⚽️ (@Owlstalk) July 8, 2020
All the forwards we had just over 12-months ago and now we’re left with Nuhiu and Da Cruz 😰 League one beckons #swfc
— Andy (@PandyMarsh) July 8, 2020
Absolutely terrible again no creativity in midfield may as well play with 10 men than have bannan on pitch be better off with Penélope Cruz upfront than Alessio da Cruz #swfc
— richweaver (@RIchardWeaver10) July 9, 2020
Against Preston, Da Cruz played for 69 minutes, had 31 touches, completed 82.4% of his 17 passes, created two chances, had one shot which failed to hit the target, whipped in two crosses without finding a teammate, made two clearances, gave away two fouls, made one tackle and won one free-kick.
The £1.71m-rated wide-man has made 12 appearances in all competitions since joining Wednesday on loan from Parma in January, making one assist. Da Cruz has been a regular in the starting lineup since football returned in England, but it’s hard to see him keeping his place if he’s not contributing goals.
Wednesday have netted only two goals in their last three games and Da Cruz hasn’t managed a shot on target in any of those matches.