Dom Howson's Sheffield Wednesday column: How Daniel Pudil rescued his Owls career

Pre-Christmas, the Czech Republic international was in and out of the Wednesday team due to injuries and a loss of form. His long-term future at Hillsborough looked in serious doubt.

Pudil was primarily used as a left back by Carlos Carvalhal. It is a demanding job which Pudil performed well in his first two seasons at the club.

But the 32-year-old found it hard going in that position in the first half of this campaign. Too often it appeared Pudil did not have the energy to get up and down the pitch and play the role anymore. His drop in standards culminated in Carvalhal turning to Morgan Fox.

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Pudil recognised his performances had not been up to scratch and he went away and worked hard on improving his game. He is a grafter and hungry to do well for himself, his family and the football club.

His hard work paid off in the New Year.

One of Jos Luhukay’s first acts as Owls boss was to alter Pudil’s role. He moved inside to centre half and he has excelled in Luhukay’s three-man defence.

With Tom Lees and Joost van Aken injured, Wednesday needed Pudil back to his best and he has put in a series of top displays to help tighten the team up defensively.

Playing at centre-half suits Pudil and he appears to have found his home in a back three.

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