Whatever happened to Sheffield Wednesday's sensational strikes?
Just 17 goals from 16 games is a poor return for the Owls, however not only are they struggling to find the net, but the sensational strikes that littered last year’s run to the Play-Off Final appear, too, to have been left behind.
Fernando Forestieri, among others, was firing them in from everywhere; Marco Matias was awarded goal of the season for his wonderful effort against Leeds United and then there was also the memorable, eye-opening cameo from the now forgotten man Lewis McGugan against Preston North End.
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Hide AdIt was a prominent feature of Carlos Carvalhal’s early reign - an exciting, attacking side with stunning goals to match.
This year, that flair has been lacking somewhat but according to Adam Reach, who joined the Owls at the beginning of this campaign, it hasn’t been a tactical change from the head coach that has resulted in the disappearance of deadly finishing from distance.
The positive mindset remains and reach, who himself is yet to score since his club-record move from Middlesbrough, insists that Carvalhal has been giving his players licence to shoot from everywhere.
“His message is to try and be as positive as possible,” said Reach. “It is what he wants from all of the attackers. He wants us to play football and pass it through the lines. If you get a chance to shoot, have a shot.”
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Hide AdReach had admitted in the past that he is personally frustrated at not having yet found the net for Wednesday.
On occasion the naturally left-sided player has been placed in a central role, high up the pitch and is hoping, in time, that will help him to add more goals to the team when slotting into that position.
“I have played there quite a few times,” he said.
“I did it a lot in my spell at Preston last season playing in the number 10 role. Again, it’s another position that I can try and improve on and keep practicing.
“The more positions you can play and are willing to play, it is better for the team and the squad.”