Sheffield Wednesday: Key areas for Carlos Carvalhal to improve in Owls squad

But the Owls boss was back at work with his coaching staff the following day drawing up plans for next season.

Indeed, Carvalhal has vowed to strengthen the squad this summer.

Is Lucas Joao clinical enough to provide adequate back up for Gary Hooper?

This is what The Star’s Wednesday writer Dom Howson thinks they need to do in each department to challenge for promotion again next time around:

Goalkeeper

It is a strong area for the Owls. Carvalhal believes he’s got two of the best shot-stoppers in the division in Keiren Westwood and Joe Wildsmith. Both have acquitted themselves well, making few errors over the last 12 months.

It is just a case of whether Wednesday will retain the services of Lewis Price, whose contract is due to shortly run out. If he moves on, the chances are Carvalhal will look to bring in a third senior goalkeeper.

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Defence

A minimum of two centre-backs will be required unless Carvalhal decides to turn Michael Turner and Vincent Sasso’s loans into permanent transfers. They could do with more pace in the centre.

There are no issues with right-back, but it will be intriguing to see what Wednesday do on the opposite flank. For me, Daniel Pudil has earned a full-time Owls contract, having consistently performed at a high standard. Jeremy Helan is comfortable playing that position, although I wouldn’t be surprised if the Owls go back in for Joe Bennett.

Midfield

Lewis Price is out of contract so will Wednesday look elsewhere for goalkeeping cover?

This needs a bit of shake-up. Assuming Wednesday release fans favourite Jose Semedo and let forgotten man Filipe Melo go, a defensive midfielder should be brought in to keep Sam Hutchinson on his toes.

Alex Lopez is definitely worth hanging on to and should only get better in the future.

In the wide positions, the Owls could do with at least one new face. Against Hull, they lacked width and looked predictable in the final third. Someone with trickery and speed who can do the unexpected would give them an extra dimension in tight contests.

Striker

Could Wednesday look to snap up former loanee Joe Bennett?

In goals and assists, Fernando Forestieri and Gary Hooper contributed over 40 goals between them in the team’s march to the Play-Off final. They are Wednesday’s first-choice pairing. Forestieri is equally adept on the left or in the number 10 position, depending on how Carvalhal decides to line his team up.

For the Owls to go the next level, another proven forward should be drafted in. Although they have useful attributes, neither Lucas Joao or Atdhe Nuhiu are clinical enough in front of goal.