Sheffield Wednesday: Sam Hutchinson at centre half was always the plan for Carlos Carvalhal

Sam Hutchinson has trained as a centre back since Sheffield Wednesday returned for pre-season, Carlos Carvalhal has revealed.
Sam HutchinsonSam Hutchinson
Sam Hutchinson

Wednesday’s head coach says the 26-year-old will be used as a defender this year, dropping back from the midfield role in which he has mainly played since arriving at Hillsborough.

Though an ankle injury to Glenn Loovens – who will miss the start of the season – may have forced his hand, Carvalhal says he had marked out Hutchinson for the role due to his ability to play out from the back.

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“Sam has known since the beginning of the season and has trained with everyone at centre-back,” Carvalhal said. “We often play him at centre-half even though we know he can play in midfield or at right-back. He can play everywhere. He’s training like a centre-back.

“Sam was a centre-half before. He knows the position.

“He’s a clever player. He’s very strong, is good with his head and speed. He’s a good footballer.

“We like to start from the back and he’s a player who has very good abilities.

“He has everything to play at centre-half.

“When I talk with him, I say to him since the beginning that you will start training as a centre-half even though we don’t know what’s happening with Loovens.”

Carvalhal confirmed he hopes to add another centre back to his squad this summer.