Henrik Pedersen explains role of Sheffield Wednesday 'top talent' Will Grainger for new season
One Owls youngster is catching the eye in training in Hungary
Will Grainger is a ‘top talent’ who will be ‘integrated’ into Sheffield Wednesday’s squad this season.
The 17-year-old forward, who scored his first senior goal in the Championship towards the end of last term, signed a new three-year contract at The Owls last month.
A bright future is predicted for the Welsh youth international, who is a Wednesdayite, and he has been catching the eye in the pre-season training camp in Hungary.
“He's a top talent,” Pedersen told BBC Radio Sheffield. “He's a really, really good talent and he's very mature. Mature in his tactical mindset and his discipline to be a part of a senior team with a clear playing philosophy, a clear playing style. He is a really good pressing player. His mind and his understanding is on a high level.”
Grainger, who was the subject of interest from other clubs before signing a new deal, netted in Wednesday’s defeat to Oxford United in the penultimate game of last season. The Owls don’t have many striking options currently, although that is likely to change as the weeks progress. It remains to be seen how big a part Grainger plays this season but he is making a good impression so far.
Pedersen added: “He grows so much right now to be more conscious about his offensive position. He doesn’t always need to run. Sometimes he can also stand still if he has the right position. And he's one of the few players we have in the squad who can turn with the ball without touching the ball. We're still working with his assist that he doesn’t need five metres to play this smart pass. He only need three metres. His finishing in the last 20 metres in front of the goal is is strong.
“We take care of him and we push him. We are very conscious that we have a good young player we want to integrate through the season. He has to be a top player for Sheffield Wednesday. “