Adam Reach could become a game changer for Sheffield Wednesday

Adam Reach joined Sheffield Wednesday on August 31, 2016, for a reported £5m fee, including add-ons. The Owls number nine has settled nicely into the Owls’ first-team squad and I only expect the Wednesday winger to become a fans favourite at S6 as his career progresses.

Having arrived at Hillsborough for a substantial transfer fee and with it a five-year contract, the psychological weight upon his shoulders could easily become a burden.

However, watching Reach on the playing has already assured me the former England Under-20 youth international will let his football do the talking.

Reach joined the Owls from Premier League newboys Middlesbrough – Photo: Steve Parkin / Offside.

Reach spent the most of his career in the north east, signing for Middlesbrough as a youth prospect in 2009 until his arrival at S6, seven years later. Boro fans were reluctant to see Reach leave the Riverside due to his huge potential and current ability on and off the ball.

The 6ft 1in winger made his debut for Wednesday against Wigan Athletic, coming on for the last few minutes of the game as the Owls ran out 2-1 winners that day. Reach’s starting debut came in the following fixture against Bristol City at Hillsborough. Playing on the left wing, Reach showed glimpses of his worth by skipping past defenders and juggling the ball between his feet within confined spaces.

Reach dropped to the left-back role at half-time to make way for after Daniel Pudil came off the field of play due to injury. Reach also played a huge part in the lead up to Kieran Lee’s goal in the 95th minute which ensured a 3-2 victory for the Owls in a display that won’t be forgotten quickly due to sending offs, a missed penalty and the recovery from a 2-0 deficit.

Due to the short-term injury to Pudil, Reach has maintained the left-back role in the majority of his outings for the Owls. Personally, on Pudil’s return, I would like to see Reach deployed back in the forward role, preferably fighting for his place with Forestieri on the left wing. Here he can express his full potential and become feared among opposition defenders.

Having made 35 appearances, scoring four goals for Preston North End on loan last term, I am informed that Reach is also very effective in the number 10 role, in which his flair and natural ability can prove vital in that role. It seems Wednesday have recruited a very versatile and able player in Reach, who could prove to be and hopefully will be a game changer for the Owls this season.

Carlos Carvalhal’s side currently sit eighth in the Championship table – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Although Reach’s Wednesday career is still premature, his all round game is of high standards. He is powerful, he is a presence on the field of play due to his height and build, he can pick a pass, dribble, he is pacey, can tackle and the highlight of his game for me is that he can deliver great crosses from wide areas after beating his man.

At only 23 years of age, game time will only develop his ability as he begins to slowly become an experienced player for the Owls. Likened to Gareth Bale, I am not suggesting for one moment that Reach can hit that world-class level, but if he can add goals to his never ending list of attributes, I am sure the Wednesday prospect has a bright future and the sky is the limit for him.

So far so good for the Owls number nine, he is certainly one to watch out for in the future, if not already. Hopefully Reach can begin to hit the ground running and build on the confident start he has made at S6.

Good luck Adam!

WAWAW