Sheffield Wednesday had a rather great January deadline day, as they brought in Ronaldo Aarons, Achraf Lazaar and Dominic Iorfa. (BBC). It’s the two Newcastle United stars (Aarons and Lazaar) that could change their season, especially given that both have a lot to prove. For Sheffield Wednesday, however, that makes the two loan deals a brilliant coup for the Championship side as they look to survive another season.
While Lazaar would immediately slot into the first-team, especially given the state of Wednesday’s back-line, Aarons, on the other hand, will take some time to adapt. The 23-year-old has struggled since his move to Newcastle United, barely featuring for manager Rafael Benitez. Things got even worse when he returned early from his loan spell this season, but the move to the Championship could be exactly what he needs to change the course of his career.
A very agile and quick winger, Aarons excels on the left-hand side as it allows him to dribble past defenders before delivering a cross towards the centre. However, the 23-year-old is constantly exchanging his position on the field, moving from left to right, and his style of play changes. The Jamaican international cuts onto his favoured foot and uses it to great effectiveness, producing more than his share of goals.
Meanwhile, Achraf Lazaar like Aarons also has the pace to burn but it’s his defensive abilities that will be key to Sheffield Wednesday going forward. The Championship side have a minus goal difference and have already conceded 45 goals which is the joint third most in the bottom half of the Championship this season. This has been a major cause for concern and Lazaar’s presence could help change that.
However, if needed, the 27-year-old can also play as a left-midfielder and like most former midfielders, the Moroccan international loves going forward, putting his speed and agility to great use. He does have competition for the left-back spot at Sheffield Wednesday, with Jordan Thorniley, Morgan Fox and Daniel Pudil all ahead of him in the pecking order. But given his natural talent, Lazaar could out-do them.
All in all, for Sheffield Wednesday, it marks a rather great transfer deadline day and if the manager can get the best out of the duo, it will help the Owls flourish once again in the Championship and maybe even fight for a mid-table finish.