Sheffield Wednesday added Alessio Da Cruz to the squad in January, and although he has been picked by Garry Monk, he has been unable to have a positive effect on results.
The Parma loanee started three games in a row prior to the trip to Birmingham but so far has been unable to recapture his early-season form, which saw him score six goals and make seven assists on loan at Ascoli in Serie B.
In his defence, the Owls have been low on confidence and it can be difficult for any young player to adjust to new surroundings in a different country.
The winger admitted as much in a recent interview with the Sheffield Star, but he is optimistic of the squad’s chances of turning their form around as he believes the quality is there to do so.
He said: “It has been a bit difficult. Somebody has to lose, but in training, every day we work hard. I see a lot of qualities and if we all stick together, we will turn things 100 per cent.
“I am happy to be here and enjoying English football and it is obviously a bit different. But I am enjoying it. It was always an ambition.
“It is a lot of fighting and for me, it is new. There are a lot of build-ups from behind. I am not used to that. But I have played three matches and am getting more comfortable.”
He is not the only Wednesday player to come out in recent days to spread positivity, with Steven Fletcher and Barry Bannan also showing support for Monk and voicing their belief that the wins will come soon.
Wednesday have the option to sign Da Cruz on a permanent basis in the summer (as per Tuttomercatoweb) which provides an added incentive for the Dutchman to impress, as he states that he has always wanted to play in England.
Hopefully for Owls fans’ sake, that means his performances improve as he offers just 0.5 key passes per game (via WhoScored), indicating that his threat in the final third is minimal.
It will be up to Monk to give him the confidence he needs to display his best talents and rediscover his previous form, although with other wingers like Jacob Murphy and Adam Reach in the squad, the 23-year-old may struggle to get a rhythm going.
What do you make of Da Cruz’s comments Wednesday fans and how has he been on the pitch? Are you impressed with what he has shown or doubtful that he can help the team end their poor run of form?
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