Anthony Musaba has shone for Sheffield Wednesday this season after a slow start to life in England.
Anthony Musaba arrived in Sheffield on Wednesday as an unknown quantity.
After joining Monaco in 2020, the winger went through a series of loan spells, trying to adapt until leaving permanently for Wednesday last summer.
After a sluggish start in England, Musaba has found his feet, becoming a consistent supplier of goals as Danny Rohl’s team approaches safety.
The former Dutch youth international, brought to the club by then Wednesday manager Xisco Munoz, was in and out of the side, starting only one of the Owls’ first six Championship games.
Musaba’s timely interventions against Stoke City and QPR helped Wednesday recover their rhythm under Rohl.
Musaba has had dry spells in a Wednesday shirt, going up to nine games without a goal or assist.
With the Owls in dire need of points to make a miracle escape from the relegation zone, the 23-year-old has stepped up, making key contributions in Wednesday’s back-to-back triumphs against Blackburn Rovers and West Brom.
Wednesday’s squad has benefited significantly from its youthful core, and Musaba’s influence and stature have grown during the season. Should Wednesday survive, they would have a lot to thank Musaba for following his dominant performances this season.
| Anthony Musaba 23/24 stats as per Transfermarkt | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Championship | 42 | 7 | 5 |
| FA Cup | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| EFL Cup | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Wednesday look to Musaba to make the difference
As a winger, it’s easy to fall away amidst the physicality of the Championship.
It’s an unforgiving league and Musaba soon learnt that, with a string of ineffectual cameos earning him a spot as an unused substitute early on in the season.
Musaba, though, has grown into his role and adapted quickly to the rigours of English football. Whilst many wingers tend to fade as the game wears on, Musaba has showcased an ability to pop up late on with goals and assists – scoring 90th-minute winners in back-to-back games against Stoke and QPR.
Musaba is also learning to control games and sustain pressure, putting together strong performances across the 90 minutes. A key tactical cog in Rohl’s system, he can be impactful off the bench, but has also earned the trust of his manager when starting games.
Musaba has stepped up in the absence of Ian Poveda
Wednesday’s loan additions, Ian Poveda, Ike Ugbo, and James Beadle, helped them win four consecutive games in February and March.
After Leeds United’s winger Poveda had a muscular injury against Ipswich Town, the team’s results deteriorated.
Musaba, on the other hand, made an important contribution off the bench against fellow relegation rivals QPR, giving Wednesday’s survival prospects a boost.
Rohl has given Musaba starts in three of Wednesday’s past four games following his blazing 20-minute cameo at Loftus Road.
The Owls have remained unbeaten during this period, with Musaba scoring a goal and two assists to help Wednesday escape the relegation zone.
Wednesday travel to Sunderland on the last weekend of the season with their future in their own hands, owing in large part to Musaba’s exploits in front of goal. He will be hoping his efforts are enough to complete a spectacular turnaround for the Owls.
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