Who was hot and who was not in Sheffield Wednesday's pre-season draw with Leicester City?

Sheffield Wednesday are – sort of – underway in their 2020/21 season after a battling goalless draw with Leicester City left them with as many positives as issues to iron out.
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The Owls had a number of half-chances in the clash to sneak past the Premier League side, but ultimately a clean sheet and a draw against a strong Foxes outfit is nothing to be sniffed at.

The afternoon produced an encouraging first display from old and new faces alike, and offered a further sneak peek into the make-up of the Garry Monk revolution.

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But from a player’s point of view, what were the main talking points from the afternoon at Loughborough? Let’s take a look at who was hot and who was not.

Barry Bannan is the new captain of Sheffield Wednesday.Barry Bannan is the new captain of Sheffield Wednesday.
Barry Bannan is the new captain of Sheffield Wednesday.

Captain Baz

Armband strapped on for the first time on a full-time basis, Bannan was not quite at his bustling best, but controlled the midfield for periods and looked energetic.

It was a low-key announcement, his becoming skipper should suit a player who is vocal, plays with his heart on his sleeve and is hugely passionate about Sheffield Wednesday.

“It's a massive honour,” Bannan said. “I've been here for five years, this is my sixth season now, I've got a good connection with the club so obviously I am delighted I've been given the chance to captain them and hopefully lead them to success over the next few seasons.”

Where are all Rhodes leading?

There are a lot of eyes on Jordan Rhodes at the moment.

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Sheffield Wednesday currently head into the season with the Scotland international as their only senior striker and though Charles Hagan came on for an encouraging half-hour cameo, it is Rhodes that may have to carry the burden of goals.

He looked off the pace against Leicester, it has to be said. Half-chances were spurned and he failed to engage in the Owls’ better periods of play.

It’s not news, but whether Rhodes can get himself going or not, Wednesday need more firepower.

Busy Izzy

A threat in open play and from set pieces, new boy Brown was perhaps Wednesday’s best player on the day, providing an energetic, physical presence in midfield.

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It was a hugely encouraging start from the Chelsea man, who – if he can stay fit – will surely be a massive signing for Wednesday this season.

It was interesting to watch him overlap front man Rhodes from time to time, hinting at the possibility of a more advanced role heading into the season.

Finders keepers?

Both Cameron Dawson and Joe Wildsmith produced classy saves to keep the Owls’ clean sheet in tact. Both were very tidy throughout their stints.

Dawson was perhaps that busiest, making a fine save to deny that man Jamie Vardy, while Wildsmith made a good save to keep Demarai Gray at bay.

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In terms of their mini-battle to take the gloves this season, Saturday’s outing was a stalemate draw.

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