Wolves are into the fourth round of the FA Cup, after beating Crystal Palace 1-0 at Molineux on Friday night.
Nuno Espirito Santo named a very strong side against the Eagles, which sends out the message that he fancies a cup run this season.
It is potentially going to be a tricky season in the Premier League given the loss of Raul Jimenez and squad being so young now.
So there appears to be a greater focus on the FA Cup and against Palace, Nuno opted to name arguably the strongest XI available to him right now.
It was Adama Traore who stole the headlines; his first goal of the season was superbly taken by cutting in from the right and unleashing an unstoppable left-footed drive.
Wolves’ right side of Traore and Nelson Semedo looked particularly strong which is very encouraging, but some supporters have pointed to the return of Leander Dendoncker as key to its improvement.
The Belgian had been missing for the last four games but was back in the starting XI, and his influence, and the help he gave to Semedo, was key.
Whenever he hasn’t started in 2020/21, Wolves have failed to win every time, so to have him back in the picture is a big boost.
On social media, some Wolves fans felt Dendoncker had a really strong outing against Roy Hodgson’s side and certainly feel he is a major miss when he doesn’t play:
#wwfc | Midfielder/Defender 🇧🇪 💪🏼
For me it’s no coincidence that a #wwfc win with a clean sheet has coincided with the return of Dendoncker.
Covering the miles & doing the ugly things very well, such a huge part of this team.
Underrated ability as well.
Welcome back, Clive.
— Ryan Leister (@MrRyanLeister) January 8, 2021
Superb! A performance that went under the radar but kept it organised in the middle. Dendoncker helps massively. #wwfc https://t.co/QMwC1nVCbi
— Andrew Paul (@pitty123) January 8, 2021
Also, jumping on the bandwagon slightly, but tonight underlined what a big difference Dendoncker makes to the sides. Frees up so much valuable space for Neves and Moutinho, an integral player for us 👍🏻 #wwfc
— Ben Rasmin (@benrasmin) January 8, 2021
We play so much better with Dendoncker in the team. #wwfc
— Lauren (@laurenhodgkiss) January 8, 2021
We’re a completely different team with Dendoncker in it #wwfc
— Ian Kettle (@ian_kettle) January 8, 2021
Good performance that. Shows how much we rely on Dendoncker to allow Neves to play too #wwfc
— Ewan (@EABskills) January 8, 2021
Dendoncker back = Wolverhampton win
Coinkydink? I think not
— ben (@BenjeminC19) January 9, 2021
Dendoncker a contender for MOTM again last night. He was everywhere, we missed him nearly as much as we miss Raul. Great to see him back v Palace.
— Kev Belgium (@ceedawn10) January 9, 2021
Probably the most underrated player we have ever had. Loved him from day one, such a clever clever player
— Jay🐺🐬 😀 (@Fto1Jas) January 9, 2021
Ppl don’t realise how colossal he is
— Ashley Round (@AshRound) January 9, 2021