Wolves moved six points clear of the relegation zone with a 1-1 draw against Everton at Molineux.
The Old Gold conceded the first goal in this clash, as Jack Harrison’s deflected strike off Matt Doherty beat Jose Sa all ends up.
It was an end-to-end start to the game, and Wolves had chances themselves, eventually taking one when Marshall Munetsi grabbed his first goal for the club.
Munetsi came into the starting lineup for the suspended Matheus Cunha and formed an attacking trio with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The 28-year-old was brilliant in the first half before being substituted at half-time with a suspected injury, although it was another player in the lineup who Wolves fans think can be the long-term replacement for Cunha.
- READ MORE: Wolves player ratings vs Everton as Marshall Munetsi scores first goal but 4/10 star disappoints
Wolves fans think Jean-Ricner Bellegarde can replace Matheus Cunha
Cunha was sent off against Bournemouth last weekend after lashing out at Milos Kerkez, and the Brazilian faced the first match of his ban.
Most supporters were worried about how Pereira would replace the 25-year-old’s influence, as he’s scored 15 goals in all competitions.
But it became clear to some fans during the game that Bellegarde can be the long-term replacement for Cunha, who looks set to leave Wolves in the summer with big clubs interested.
“Bellegarde is the closest player we can replace Cunha with, given his ability to drive forward with the ball,” one fan stated.
“Bellegarde has to be the one to drive us forward tonight. Thats what Cunha does so well,” another replied, suggesting he could step up before the game.
“Bellegarde is gonna step up when Cunha is gone,” a third fan predicted.
Bellegarde is our Cunha replacement! What a player
— Wolves Tactical Nous (@WolvesTacticalx) March 8, 2025
“No one is ready for this convo but Bellegarde is the Cunha replacement,” a fifth replied.
Anothe supporter made a bold prediction: “Bellegarde will be greater than Cunha,” while a seventh agreed: “Would have been an insane take a couple months ago but I see it now.”
Slick move but Bellegarde's pass is ….. SUBLIME!!! Amazing.
— Pete Wolf (@PeteWolf16) March 8, 2025
Come on lads…. come on!
1-1. #wwfc
Bellegarde stats vs Everton
Bellegarde picked up an assist against Everton, laying one wonderfully on the plate for Munetsi, and the 26-year-old was instrumental throughout.
Perhaps comparisons to Cunha are too soon, as he needs to become more of a goal threat, but the statistics make for impressive reading.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s statistics vs Everton
- 83 minutes played
- 1 assist
- 47 touches
- 25/26 passes (96%)
- 3 key passes
- 3 ground duels won
- 2 fouls drawn
In the absence of the Brazilian in the coming weeks, Bellegarde has an opportunity to show he can be just as influential as his teammate and continue shining under Pereira.