"A cut above" - Sheffield Wednesday: Di'Shon Bernard touted for Premier League future | OneFootball

The international defender has previously been on the books of one of the top clubs in the country.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

It wouldn't be much of a bold prediction to say that some elements of the current Sheffield Wednesday crop will end up at a higher level down the road.

Whether it be a player or the manager, there are very encouraging things happening at Hillsborough at the moment. They may not have lived up to the dark horse label that many tagged them with before the start of the season, but they are moving in a much better direction than they were at this point last season.

A lot of that is thanks to Danny Rohl, he has been revolutionary for Wednesday's future. But a manager can only do so much; it's also down to the players to get things done on the pitch.

The team that the Owls have assembled for this season is much better than the one they had a year ago. Premier League loanees like James Beadle and Shea Charles have already impressed. Those two will head back to the top flight at the end of their scheduled Wednesday tenures, but some of their current teammates could also end up at that level soon enough.

Sheffield Wednesday player predicted for top flight future

Di'Shon Bernard is the most likely player to end up playing at a higher level in his career, according to Football League World'sWednesday fan pundit, Patrick McKenna.

The former Manchester United academy graduate's contract with the Owls expired this summer, but they convinced him to come back, reportedly on a three-year deal; something that McKenna is very happy about.

He told FLW: "There's a few [Wednesday players that could have a future at a higher level] that came to mind, but the one I'll go with is Bernard. Last season, and again this season, he's shown that he has quality above that of what you'd imagine as an average, archetypal Championship defender.

"He has that intelligence and awareness. His stats for interceptions and tackling; they're at the top end. He brings a coolness, as well, and a sureness to the defence when he's playing that gives a boost to the fanbase, knowing that, with no disrespect in any way to our other defenders, he is the one with the most skill and presence.

"There's just that feeling, you know. As a Wednesday fan over the years, we've had players on loan who you know are essentially too good for us, and that this is just a stepping stone to a higher division.

"Bernard has all the attributes that mean, possibly after this season, I could see him starting for a Premier League club, and carving out a career at the top level of English football.

"It's another case for Wednesday fans of enjoying him this season and appreciating his efforts. But it is clear to see that he's a cut above. He will go on to better things and good luck to the guy."

Di'Shon Bernard's contract gives Sheffield Wednesday security

If the 24-year-old continues to perform to the levels that he has, and he reaches the ceiling that McKenna sees in him, then it's almost certainly a guarantee that they will face immense pressure from other clubs who may want him.

Luckily for Wednesday, the multi-year deal that they are said to have him on is a great security blanket. If it was a shorter deal, then they would have less bargaining power in any prospective negotiations for Bernard.