Wolverhampton Wanderers went out of the Carabao Cup last night, but Leander Dendoncker’s performance was a small positive.
Belgian started against Tottenham Hotspur, as he did in the previous round against Nottingham Forest.
He needed a good showing last night in order to send a message to Bruno Lage, who has mainly preferred Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho together in midfield so far this season.
And that’s what he gave at Molineux.
The whole Wolves team was poor for the first-half hour, but it was Dendoncker who answered the call to arms when Wolves were 2-0 down.
He brilliantly headed home Rayan Ait-Nouri’s corner, which put a bit of belief into the team.
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In the second-half, Wolves were much improved, and Dendoncker had control of the game.
According to Sofascore he completed 28/32 (88%) of his passes, and won 2/5 duels in total.
He also made a tackle, an interception and a clearance.
And Lage was cleared pleased with the 26-year-old, saying after the game (via Birmingham Mail): “Leander did very well in the way he pressed and the way he played. Joao (Moutinho) and Ruben (Neves) are doing well, but Leander played a good game today, so did Ki.”
Dendoncker has staked him claim
It was a good display from the Belgium international, and it seems Lage was pleased with his contributions.
On his day, Dendoncker is a really good and effective player.
He, really, should be starting all the time in this Wolves team, but has found it difficult to oust Joao Moutinho this season.
Perhaps this can be a turning point for him now.
Given Wolves might go in for a new central midfielder in January, the next few months are an important time for him.