A coming of age for Alex Hunt as Garry Monk throws the youngster into the mix at Sheffield Wednesday
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Patience is something that Garry Monk has spoken of a lot recently, and it’s something that he’s certainly shown to Hunt since taking on the job at Hillsborough last year. He wasn’t the first to see the midfielder’s potential, but he’s certainly the one who has given him the most opportunity to progress.
Despite having only turned 20 in May, Hunt has been part of the first team training setup for some time now in what had become an ageing Owls squad, but recent exits and Monk’s desire for a new, young and dynamic squad has seen him rise up the pecking order.
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Hide AdIt started in the FA Cup, with 60 minutes played against QPR and Manchester City before the break, and then cameos against Nottingham Forest and West Bromwich Albion were followed up by a full 45 against Swansea City prior to his full Championship debut on Saturday - it was the next step for him.
Monk’s given glowing reviews of Hunt and what he thinks he could be capable of, and was full of praise once again in the post-match interview after the Owls academy graduate played over an hour in London – the most he’s played in a senior game to date.
The SWFC boss said, “He was very good… I think the yellow card probably didn’t allow him to be as tenacious as he can be - and that’s a big part of his game - but he came in focused, and I’ve spoken many times about Alex, what I think of him and the future here.
“He still has things to improve upon of course, but he’s settled into the group well, and he’s become a member of that first team. I think he feels now that he’s a member of a squad, rather than just participating. That takes time, and that’s why he’s been there since I’ve come in.”
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Hide AdIt’s almost two years since Hunt’s last start when he was thrown in at 18-years-old against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup, but this time felt more purposeful than then, more of a ‘coming of age’ kind of situation.
And he didn’t look out of place.
No Wednesday player had a higher pass completion rate than Hunt as the final whistle went on Saturday afternoon, leaving the field with an 80% record including a couple of long balls – he was also one of six SWFC players to make at least one key pass. He was always looking forward.
It’s not all about attacking, though. Hunt made a couple of interceptions – only Luongo (4) made more – and chipped in with a tackle or two as well, taking one for the team as he picked up that early booking. He's similar to Barry Bannan in more ways than one.
Is Hunt the finished article? Far from it. But Saturday gave a glimpse of what he’s about, and Wednesdayites have reason to be excited.
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