Sheffield Wednesday forward shares position aim as new signings create selection dilemma
Jamal Lowe is relishing the competition for places this season after scoring Sheffield Wednesday’s winner against Bolton Wanderers last weekend.
Sheffield Wednesday forward Jamal Lowe has admitted that he wants to try to nail down a preferred position this season but accepts that he is part of a versatile group of attackers.
Lowe made the admission after stepping off the bench to score Wednesday’s winner in last Saturday’s 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers in the first round of the Carabao Cup at Hillsborough.
The former Swansea City man, 32, was introduced after 63 minutes, replacing Hull City loanee Mason Burstow, who had made his Wednesday debut as the No.9. Burstow had started at the tip of the attack, supported by a trio of Jordi Liongola, Callum Slattery and Harry Gray just behind him.
Both Burstow and Gray have arrived at Hillsborough this summer with versatile profiles, meaning they are equally capable of playing through the middle or out wide. The latter started on the left flank before moving inside following the introduction of Louie Barry.
Lowe, who will be hoping his goal against Bolton earns him a place in the starting line-up for Saturday’s League One opener against Leyton Orient, has demonstrated his versatility throughout his career, having been deployed as a left winger, a No.10 and a No.9. Although he is happy to play anywhere, he would like to settle into a regular role this season.
Lowe told The Star: “I'm pretty versatile, whether that's out wide or centrally, but it would be nice to nail down one position, whether it's out wide or straight down the middle.
“But again, it's more ammunition for the club, really. We can mix it up depending on the game.
“It doesn't have to be me or Mason throughout the year; it could be both of us. That's the good thing about it. A lot of our forward players are quite flexible.
“So, yes, we just try to fit into the team wherever physically possible, where we can deliver our best.
“Harry can play as a No.9 as well, and he's done really well today.”
With Lowe, Burstow and Gray currently making up Wednesday’s list of options to lead the attack, and with the likelihood of at least one more striker being added to the ranks before the end of the transfer window, manager Henrik Pedersen could be presented with a selection dilemma he never had last season.
However, Lowe insists that competition for places is crucial.
He added: “He [Gray] has pushed throughout pre-season, started, and he did really well today.
“I’m sure Louie will be pushing to start as well. Do you know what I mean? Everyone’s just pushing each other, and I feel like if you know you’ve got someone waiting to take your spot straight away, it kind of puts that added pressure on, so you know you need to deliver.
“That’s when you get the best out of everyone.”