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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Garry Monk’s start to life as Sheffield Wednesday boss is already throwing up some interesting dilemmas.
He was appointed last weekend to finally put a permanent name to the vacant managerial job at Hillsborough, replacing caretaker Lee Bullen, who takes a step back into his backroom staff.
The 40-year-old likes to play a 4-4-2 formation, as displayed by his tactics at Birmingham City last season, so there could well be a spot up for grabs next to Steven Fletcher.
More crucially, he comes into the role knowing the Owls’ captain, Tom Lees, is facing time on the injury table after it was reported that he flew to Spain to receive treatment on his hamstring.
This leaves a position open at the back to partner August’s Player of the Month, Julian Borner, as they face local rivals Huddersfield Town on Sunday.
On the Chalkboard
The club aren’t really rife with options at centre-half – right-back Dominic Iorfa played the full 90 there against QPR last time out, and that didn’t exactly go to plan as they were defeated 2-1, while David Bates is yet to start in the Champions League this season.
It could mean that Sam Hutchinson is moved into a deeper position, especially as his passing abilities and previous experience in the role are particularly appealing – the 30-year-old has been averaging a passing success rate of 83.5% this season.
This, in turn, causes a knock-on effect, leaving a potential place for someone in the heart of midfield.
Massimo Luongo could be a player that catches Monk’s eye having been a thorn against him in the past when he was the manager at Leeds United.
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The 25-year-old contributed to a clean sheet at Elland Road and was one of the star performers earning a perfect ’10’ WhoScored rating as well as recording 13 out of 15 successful dribbles and three key passes.
his time in south Yorkshire hasn’t yet gone to plan after joining the club this summer, making just four substitute appearances in the league.
Maybe Monk can be the man to reignite the form which saw him become a very popular figure at QPR, where he contributed directly to 26 goals in 152 appearances, per Transfermarkt.
There’s not a better opportunity to see what Luongo can offer than this weekend.
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