Joost van Aken’s Sheffield Wednesday future? Garry Monk’s take…
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The Dutchman had a decent start to life at Hillsborough, however after struggling in the Steel City Derby in September 2017 and then sustaining a serious injury the following year, things haven’t quite gone as planned for the 26-year-old.
Now though, with a new setup at Hillsborough that includes fresh faces both in the playing squad and technical team, it looks as though the centre back is going to get a clean slate and a chance to impress.
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Hide AdMonk called upon Van Aken to deputise for an ill Julian Börner in the 2-0 victory over Cardiff City, with the former Heerenveen man impressing in his first Championship start since December 2017.
When asked whether the defender would be part of things going forward, Monk replied, “It's up to the players, and that's how it should be. It's up to them when they have an opportunity to prove a point and prove that they deserve to be at this club.
“That will always come down to the players. I've tried to give them opportunity, I've given them opportunity in pre-season, there were opportunities today, there'll be opportunities on Tuesday and the next game and the next game.
“But of course on the other hand, as a manager, I want to strengthen as much as I can wherever that is. If I get the opportunity to bring in a player that can help in any position, I will look to do that, but it's not always easy to do that.
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“Right now we've got a squad that is working very hard and is understanding of the situation. We are trying to prepare ourselves for each game, that spirit that we have, that unity to keep going.”
The transfer window will close next month as trading comes to an end for a few months, and it will be interesting to see whether JvA is handed another start at the Oil Crown Stadium this evening as the Owls look to see off Rochdale in the Carabao Cup.