Di’Shon Bernard has performed admirably at the back for the Owls this year; they must commit to him for the long run.
Di’Shon Bernard, who plays at the centre of ‘sheffield wednesday defence, has been a shining light in an otherwise difficult season for the team.
The Owls are presently within striking distance of safety but remain in the Championship relegation zone after winning just one of their first 20 games this season.
Wednesday’s chances of spending a second consecutive season in the second tier are more promising than ever, with just three points separating them from Queens Park Rangers, who are currently ranked twenty-first.
Bernard has been instrumental in that current upsurge, with a
number of outstanding displays at the back, with five shutouts since Christmas contributing to five wins in their last ten matches.
After attending the Manchester United junior academy, Bernard made his professional debut for the Red Devils in a 2-1 Europa League loss to Astana in 2019.
The Jamaican international went through a string of loans, spending 2020–21 at Salford City, before making an impression big enough for Hull City to sign him for the next campaign.
After the second half of the previous campaign, there was another temporary move to Portsmouth, and in the summer of 2023, there was a permanent move to Yorkshire.
The 23-year-old, who has played for Jamaica six times, has also received recognition on the international scene. During the CONCACAF Gold Cup last summer, he scored in a 5-0 victory over St. Kitts and Nevis.
And after a challenging beginning to his time at Hillsborough, Bernard has improved under their new manager, leading a revitalised backline.
According to FBRef, the former Red Devil has demonstrated his ability to assist his team in defending a lead once they have one this season, with 1.66 tackles per 90 and 1.50 blocks, as well as a 68.0% tackle percentage.
Bernard is an excellent asset not only when the opposition has the ball, but also when the offence is at rest. His 933 completed passes this season rank only behind the Owls’ metronomic Barry Bannan, and the only other teammate with a higher pass completion percentage is Bambo Diaby (83.7%).
When the summer transfer window rolls around, Bernard will stand out from the crowd thanks to his technical skill and ease on the ball. If the Owls do fall into the third level, there will be no shortage of suitors in divisions above.
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