Wolves defender Nelson Semedo was in action for Portugal in their Nations League victory over Scotland.
Semedo has featured more than perhaps anticipated during the September international break, playing in both of Portugal’s Nations League fixtures.
The Wolves right-back played the second half against Croatia in the first game and was handed a start most recently against Scotland.
Portugal were saved by Cristiano Ronaldo in the 88th minute of the game against the Scots, as the 39-year-old scored a late winner to win the duel.
Portuguese media react to Wolves defender Nelson Semedo’s performance against Scotland
It’s been a slow start to the season for Semedo, who was suspended for Wolves’ opening two Premier League fixtures before making his first appearance against Nottingham Forest.
The fullback’s start to the campaign at Wolves seemed to impact his performance for Portugal against Scotland, as the 30-year-old fell short of his teammates on the pitch.
CNN Portugal criticised Semedo for not being ‘able’ to bring the levels required on the right side of defence that were replenished when Diogo Dalot was introduced.
“Roberto Martinez’s exhaustion of changes brought Diogo Dalot to the right side of the defence and a capacity that until then Nélson Semedo had not been able to bring to the match.”
A Bola shared a similar stance on the Wolves defender, calling for ‘more aggression’ at the back on the 30-year-old’s side.
“Back in the starting line-up, he [Semedo] moved up the pitch a lot and was a valuable crutch for Pedro Neto in the first half. He made way for Diogo Dalot when Roberto Martinez felt he needed even more aggression at right-back.”
In England, publication GOAL called out Semedo’s inability to match the intensity shown by his teammate Nuno Mendes, who was terrific on the left side of defence.
“Was not as impactful as his full-back partner Mendes, despite not having much defensive work to do.”
Nuno Mendes’ youthful spark outplayed Semedo
It was a trialling night for Semedo, not solely down to his performance but as a result of how those around him stepped up.
PSG’s Mendes was one of those who showed the Wolves ace up against Scotland, as the numbers told the story of the difference in energy between the two players.
| Nelson Semedo | Nuno Mendes | |
| Touches | 41 | 109 |
| Passes completed | 26 | 62 |
| Duel wins | 1 | 9 |
| Tackles | 1 | 4 |
To be fair on the Premier League star, it’s been a difficult start to the season given his suspension, having only one match day to get up to speed ahead of the international break.
That being said, his display against Scotland only reinforced where the right-back is in his career, with there some thought to soon be had over his future at Wolves, entering the final year of his contract.