Sheffield Wednesday: Why Joey Pelupessy and Barry Bannan are the 'perfect' midfield double act

And the statistics suggest Joey Pelupessy and Barry Bannan enjoy playing alongside each other in the midfield engine room.

The pair have started together on 18 occasions the Championship, with the Owls winning nine of those matches and suffering just four defeats.

While Pelupessy's job as the midfield anchorman is to sit and protect Wednesday's defence , Bannan's role is to spread his creative wings with his vision and superb range of passing in the final third.

Jos Luhukay, the Wednesday manager, told The Star: "We know Barry and Joey are a perfect duo.

"They both have totally different qualities but that is what makes them strong together. It gives the team positive spiriti in the heart of midfield."

Pelupessy particularly caught the eye in Saturday's victory over Aston Villa. His industry and calmness in possession played a big part in the Owls' impressive away day.

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Pelupessy also provided a moment of quality on the ball, whipping in an exquisite cross for Steven Fletcher's winner.

"Joey put in a fantastic performance and worked fantastic with Barry [Bannan]," said Luhukay. "After the game against Stoke, Joey had a little bit of a problem on his ankle.

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"He was not 100 per cent which was why he didn't play on Wednesday (against Nottingham Forest).

"But you saw how important he is for the team and Barry in the Villa game. He does a lot of dirty work. Barry profited from the dirty work Joey did off the ball.

"Joey is a player who gives the team stability and balance. He was also very focused and strong on the ball."

Wednesday's midfield double act could hold the key to Luhukay's team recording a third straight victory over Leeds United this week.

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