Forget Barry Bannan, there’s only one Sheffield Wednesday player who is absolutely irreplaceable now

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Sheffield Wednesday didn’t get the result they wanted (or perhaps deserved) against Leicester City this weekend, but one man stood out from the crowd and proved he’s ready to be the star of the show this season.

After everything that’s happened at Sheffield Wednesday this summer, it’s not surprising most pundits and experts had tipped them to get a battering against Leicester City on Sunday.

However, a spirited display from the Owls saw them take the lead and very nearly take something away from the King Power Stadium before a late winner from Wout Faes broke Wednesday hearts.

Henrik Pedersen was proud of his players, and the Wednesday fans were delighted with what they saw, but there is one player who really shone the brightest on the day.

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Pierce Charles just proved his worth vs Leicester City

He ended up as the top performer in our Leicester vs Sheffield Wednesday player ratings, and Pierce Charles even got praise from Marti Cifuentes after the game, so it’s no wonder we’re ready to label him the most valuable player in the Owls squad.

And no, we’re not simply talking about money, although it is said Wednesday value Charles at £8m now.

What Charles did against Leicester is worth more than a transfer value, he proved he’s got everything it takes to step up and be one of the key figures in that Sheffield Wednesday team in what will no doubt be a rough season.

Time and time again he stood between the Leicester City players and the Owls goal, pulling off numerous saves including one incredible stop to deny Patson Daka. Unsurprisingly, Charles won the player of the match award on SofaScore, with a rating of 8.6 after making a whopping 11 saves.

Overall, he prevented 0.28 goals according to the statistics, as well as making five saves inside the box, and completing one successful run out.

He also played 11 successful long passes and 18 passes in total. But his success on the day is more than just numbers, he showed resilience, bravery, and a doggedness that the Owls will need in abundance this year.

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Sheffield Wednesday can stay up, if they keep Pierce Charles

While the new contract for Barry Bannan was a big deal for Sheffield Wednesday as it gives them a leader to carry them through the season, it’s more likely that Pierce Charles will be the one who gives them a fighting chance of staying in the division.

There’s every reason to believe that the Owls defence is going to be right up against it all season, and Charles will be the last line of protection for Henrik Pedersen’s side. To be fair, they could do far worse than resting their hopes on the shoulders of the young goalkeeper.

He played second fiddle to James Beadle for much of last season, but you could see in those final games of 2024/25 that Charles was ready to make the number one shirt his own.

After just one game this season, and with his brother Shea Charles watching on, Pierce showed there is no one else who could be worthy of taking that shirt now.

No one expects Wednesday to stay up, but if they are to find a miracle anywhere, it’ll be in the hands of the young Northern Irishman.