Sheffield Wednesday

Opinion: Joost’s the man to complete the Owls’ defence

In the transfer window a centre-back was a high priority for Carlos Carvalhal and Sheffield Wednesday. After looking at over 200 players, they signed Joost van Aken from SC Heerenveen.

The six foot five former Holland Under-21 international has started all three games since arriving at the club and his performances have impressed the Owls fans.

As well as being strong defensively, Joost has a range of passing any midfielder would die for. He played an unbelievable 40-yard pass to put Steven Fletcher through on goal against Cardiff and was instrumental in the Owls goal. Following his burst from the back, he sent Adam Reach down the left-wing and from that Gary Hooper put the Owls ahead.

As well as his passing, his sheer height is a threat from set-pieces and will have defenders trembling across the league.

He is yet to keep a clean sheet in his three appearances, but his partnership with Tom Lees has grown game-by-game. The fact Van Aken speaks good English helps the pair too.

On his debut, he was at fault for the goal Wednesday conceded as he jumped in for a tackle, instead of staying on his feet. Other than that he has not put a foot wrong in 270 minutes.

Some players crumble when they are chucked in at the deep end, but Van Aken, playing in a foreign country with a different style of play, has got better as every minute has passed.

Fellow Dutchman, Owls captain Glenn Loovens has a big task ahead to try and get back into the team when he returns from injury.

If Van Aken’s standard of performance continues for the foreseeable future, the Owls have a real player on their hands.

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