Mario Lemina has proven to be a very good signing since he arrived at Molineux in January.
He had been a player on the club’s radar for a long time, and Lemina himself has said there was talk of him joining Wolves years ago.
For one reason or another it never happened.
But he’s a player Wolves kept an eye on, and the club were finally able to swoop in January – paying Nice approximately £10 million.
And that was a total bargain fee, because Lemina has given Wolves’ midfield something it had been sorely lacking for years.
His physicality in there has been very welcome, and fans have loved watching his energy and industry.
And interestingly, Lemina actually does top one statistical category in the Premier League so far…
Mario Lemina is the best interceptor in the Premier League so far
According to official Premier League statistics, Lemina has actually made the most interceptions in the Premier League so far this season.
He’s made 17, which puts him top just ahead of Cheick Doucoure (16), Lucas Digne, Conor Gallagher and Ethan Pinnock (all 15).
A little further down the list in joint-19th place is Wolves full-back Nelson Semedo, who has made 11.
Lemina is a top ball-winner
Having this kind of player in the team must be so nice for the other Wolves players.
It can be frustrating chasing the ball sometimes. But Lemina seems to have a very good knack of anticipating passes from the opposition. It shows how smart he is top be the top interceptor so far.
He does break down a lot of attacks, and then either sets Wolves off on an attack of their own, or recycles the ball so Wolves can build from the back.
The 29-year-old is certainly going to be missed against Bournemouth. Former Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards believes he is actually now one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League.
He got sent off against Aston Villa, meaning he will miss the trip to the Cherries.
That is perhaps the one downside with Lemina. He does pick up a fair few bookings and red cards.
Thankfully, Wolves do have one decent replacement ready and waiting for the Gabon international in the form of Boubacar Traore.