Why Barry Bannan’s still such a huge asset for the Owls

2025年12月23日 15:44

While Barry Bannan is many years removed from the peak of his powers, the inspirational Sheffield Wednesday captain, who's been a beacon of light throughout his team's difficult season that's been littered with off-field issues, continues to be a crucial contributor on the pitch.

 

Showcasing many moments of pure class and his wizardry in possession, the 35-year-old stalwart's still influencing matches at a high level despite the Owls’ struggles and lack of overall quality compared to their adversaries.

 

Exceptional in possession and boasting superb technical ability, the Scot's been at the heart of much of Wednesday's most decisive work. Doing his best to drive his team upfield with his impeccable passing, terrific vision, elite spatial awareness and crisp execution, Bannan’s unquestionably a key man with the ball at his feet.

 

A vital cog in helping his team build through the thirds with his measured and precise distribution across an array of distances, having a player of his calibre has been significant in progressing the ball for Henrik Pedersen's side.

 

Image 1 - Bannan line-breaking pass

 

Image 2 - Excellent progressive pass

 

A great controller, tempo setter and dictator of possession phases, Bannan's doing a super job of getting the ball up the field to feed the wide men and central attacking threats.

 

His long game in particular stands out courtesy of his sizzling switches to the flanks, clipped balls in behind for runners and pinpoint crosses to his forwards, which all showcase his remarkable range.

 

Image 3 - Superb through ball in behind

 

Image 4 - Fine cross

 

His set-piece quality warrants mention too, for his left foot consistently produces vicious deliveries into the box and dangerous efforts on goal. With the dip, whip, swerve and power he can generate, teammates relish his silver service whenever they earn a free kick in a threatening area.

 

Bannan is just as effective over short and medium ranges, linking play with sharp layoffs, flicks, backheels and tidy one-touch combinations that keep moves flowing. He can also thread piercing line-breaking passes, slide elegant through balls along the turf and fire diagonals that shift defensive blocks in multiple directions - further elevating his value.

 

His capacity to judge weight and timing on his passes makes him equally impactful as a deep-lying playmaker or when operating higher up.

 

Giving the Owls fans many glimpses of his genius, the silky midfielder recently drew tremendous praise from his manager after the Portsmouth game. “It is one thing to be a good footballer, but it is another thing to be a good leader,” Pedersen said.

 

“And Barry showed both today. To score this goal is fantastic, but you also saw him make a 50-metre sprint at the end. He does it all for the team, and he was a good mirror for the team. When it was difficult, you could look at Barry and get that mirror back. He believes he can do anything. I was happy with this.

 

“I think he was a great captain today, one thing is what he does through his actions, how he plays, winning balls but the other thing is how he supports his players. He was great."

 

A polished technician with outstanding on-ball quality, his neat first touch and sharp close control give him a steady platform to impact, while his scanning and nimble dribbling help him slip out of tight pressure. With clever shoulder drops, feints and a low centre of gravity, he regularly unbalances opponents, as his habit of directing his first touch away from danger further strengthens his ball protection skills and allows him to draw valuable fouls.

 

His awareness of where to receive the ball has been important too, with his movement complementing the above. He often drops deep alongside or between the centre-backs to receive in numerical superiorities, giving himself extra time to initiate attacks. He drifts into the half-spaces to find quieter zones as well, where he can operate with more freedom to distribute effectively.

 

Image 5 - Forming a 4v3

 

As passages develop, Bannan adapts well - pushing wide to create overloads, staying central to recycle possession or stepping between the lines to offer a forward option. At times, he also breaks into the box with late, incisive runs that are difficult for defenders to track.

 

Image 6 - Receiving between the lines

 

Image 7 - Bannan between the lines in a forward-facing posture

 

Even though this current edition of the Owls doesn't completely get the best out of him, there's no doubting what an integral member of Pedersen's squad he is.

 

While Wednesday's campaign will almost definitely end in relegation to League One, their inspirational leader can hold his head high, for he's been a shining light, both on and off the pitch, through all the turmoil surrounding the Owls.