Van Aken was partly to blame for Sheffield Wednesday’s derby defeat on Sunday.
Joost van Aken could have no complaints if he’s dropped for Sheffield Wednesday’s trip to Birmingham City this evening.
The £4 million Dutchman was at fault for two, perhaps three [I haven’t re-watched] of Sheffield United’s goals at Hillsborough on Sunday.
But with Glenn Loovens “not ready” according to Carlos Carvalhal, Frederico Venancio untested and Daniel Pudil a left-back, Van Aken may earn a reprieve at St Andrew’s. And that could be for the best.
Let’s remember he’s still only 23, away from his home country for the first time and learning the ins and out of a league like no other.
As he proved in his first three Wednesday outings, Van Aken is some footballer and – strange as it sounds – the defensive side of his game is the bit which could take the longest to perfect.
So what good would it do to banish him from the team now, with his confidence already shot on Sunday’s evidence?
As a man who knows both Van Aken and Sheffield Wednesday equally well said recently: “Give him a little time. Once he has adapted. You will love the way he plays.” That was Gerald Sibon, in case you were wondering.
And if Wednesday want to see a return on their investment, some perseverance is required.
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