Sheffield Wednesday have been on tremendous form over the last few weeks and have silenced a lot of their critics.

The main criticism was that the club had not done anywhere near enough over the summer to stand a chance of competing this season and when the club’s transfer embargo was revealed, the anger was more understandable.

But, after a tricky opening few games, the Owls find themselves in the playoff places and are playing like the Wednesday side of past years.

An impressive 2-1 win away to Bristol City meant the Owls went into the international break occupying the final playoff place.

Striker Lucas Joao was the start that day, scoring his fourth and fifth goals of the season, and has been impressive all season.

Barry Bannan, Marco Matias, Matt Penney and Adam Reach have all been brilliant for the Owls so far as well and have proven that the lack of business in the transfer window was far from the disaster it seemed.

With the January transfer window approaching, however, there is one man who the club simply must hold onto.

Who?

The man who has kept the Owls ticking over in the middle of the pitch has been crucial to the club’s recent success.

Joey Pelupessy arrived at the club in January and has really asserted himself this season.

His solidity and assuredness in midfield have offered vital protection to his defence whilst also allowing the attack to flow.

The likes of Reach and Bannan have been let off the leash somewhat by Pelupessy this season and do not have to focus on tracking back as much as they have in the past.

Players like the Dutchman are crucial, although they do not always look it, and there will be players looking at him without a doubt.

But he must stay at Hillsborough for the Owls to have a shot at promotion.