Wolves clinched a crucial 1-0 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League and supporters were able to see new signing Nasser Djiga in action.
A first-half strike from Matheus Cunha after Illian Zabarnyi was sent off for a reckless challenge on Rayan Ait-Nouri saw Wolves secure a vital three points away from home.
In truth, the contest was end-to-end before Zabarnyi was given his marching orders but Vitor Pereira managed the game well against 10 men.
The Portuguese tactician took Joao Gomes off at half-time after he was shown a yellow card, learning from a previous mistake and shored up his defence with the introduction of new signing Nasser Djiga late in the game.
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Wolves fans react to Nasser Djiga’s debut vs Bournemouth
Wolves signed Nasser Djiga for £10m from Red Star Belgrade on transfer deadline day alongside Marshall Munetsi.
The 22-year-old joined with the pedigree of playing Champions League and with the prospect of fulfilling his potential at Molineux.
However, Djiga wasn’t expected to play a huge part for Pereira between now and the end of the season, though the injury to Emmanuel Agbadou may have changed his plans.
Despite starting Santiago Bueno over him on the South Coast, the Burkina Faso international replaced the Uruguayan in the final 17 minutes of the clash for his debut.
Naturally, being thrown into huge circumstances, Djiga was likely to be nervous and many Wolves fans noticed how shaky he looked.
“Few clumsy passes/clearances from Djiga. Let’s hope it’s debut nerves etc,” one fan wrote.
“Djiga giving anyone else a heart attack when he touches the ball or?” another questioned.
“Almost calamitous moment from Djiga but Munetsi mops up,” a third said.
“Djiga didn’t look great,” a fifth person pointed out. But while there were some critics directed at his cameo, others were quick to suggest he did well under the circumstances.
“Very impressed with Djiga today, looks incredibly composed on the ball,” one fan stated while another said: “Can’t believe I’m seeing people slate Djiga. Insane man.”
Djiga’s stats vs Bournemouth were reassuring
Granted, Djiga had a few shaky moments on his debut. But it was his first taste of action in England’s top flight, and he was bound to be nervous.
Djiga has already said why he’s ready for the Premier League, and while some were quick to criticise him, the statistics suggest he produced a calm display.
Nasser Djiga’s statistics vs Bournemouth
- 17 minutes played
- 2 clearances
- 2 interceptions
- 1 aerial duel won
- 16 touches
- 9/9 (100%) passes completed
With Agbadou injured for the next few games at least, Wolves’ new signing will feel he can dislodge Bueno in the heart of the defence.