Reach, who was lambasted by some Sheffield Wednesday supporters at Derby last month, has struggled to get a run of games in his favoured position.
Only now are Sheffield Wednesday seeing the Adam Reach for whom they paid £5 million in August 2016.
His last three games – each begun in his favoured left-wing/free role – have delivered as many goals, and he is now one of the first few names on the fans’ teamsheets along with his manager’s.
It has been a swift turnaround for a player whose father, little more than a fortnight ago, felt it necessary to speak out amid accusations his son had aimed an offensive gesture at his own supporters during a 2-0 defeat at Derby County.
Had Reach indeed lashed out in frustration, it would have been entirely understandable. What should have been his first midfield outing in three turned into another at left-back after only four minutes, thanks to Glenn Loovens’ red card.
But any frustration he might have had has since been channelled positively. Not only are the goals flowing for Reach, his confidence is too. It’s hard to imagine him attempting the sort of effort from which he scored so spectacularly at Aston Villa on Saturday, for example, with his defensive shackles on.
That isn’t to say, however, that Reach wasn’t contributing there. Indeed, his record at left-back, where he has registered a goal or assist every 4.75 games, is better than that of anywhere else on the field, one every 5.13 – however, that does not take in account appearances in which he was relocated half-way through.
Realistically, it should have been difficult for Reach to excel in either position – five successive left-wing starts, until now, his longest run anywhere in Sheffield Wednesday’s side. He’s been, without question, a victim of his own versatility.
But with his favoured role now firmly in his grasp, this may not be the best you see of Adam Reach at Hillsborough.
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