Dave Edwards believes midfielder Mario Lemina has been the best player for Wolves in 2023, after his fine display against Tottenham Hotspur.
Wanderers are going into the latest international break on a high after coming from a goal down to beat Spurs 2-1 at Molineux.
It was a frantic finish to the game on Saturday, with Pablo Sarabia scoring a sensational equaliser before laying on an assist for Mario Lemina to score the winner.
It was a goal the Gabon international deserved. He had been everywhere in the game, which is something he makes a habit of when he plays.
Lemina is a hugely popular figure at Molineux. Since arriving in January, fans have loved his energy and tenacity – and Edwards has now given the dynamo a big compliment in his latest Express & Star column…
Dave Edwards says Mario Lemina has been Wolves’ best player in 2023
Edwards took some time to write about Lemina in his latest column.
It was another fantastic performance from him, which he topped off with a 97th-minute winner. He showed brilliant drive to get on the end of the ball from Sarabia. This is something that impressed club legend Andy Thompson.
He shows drive and desire every time he takes to the field – and Edwards believes such traits really do set him apart. He reckons he’s been the club’s best performer this calendar year.
He said: “I think he has been Wolves’ best player in 2023 – there is no doubt in my mind about that.
“It is a bit like Gary O’Neil when I say he epitomises what Wolves fans want and I think he is a perfect player for them.
Everything about the way he plays, especially with Wolves playing a two-man midfield, you have to be really dynamic. He is the constant in there, he has a tremendous work-rate, desire and he gets around the pitch so well.
“Lemina is an accomplished passer, he can link play really well but what I love the most about him is when he is on the front foot, just like he was in those last 10 minutes.
When Wolves really needed someone he was on the ball and he was driving that tempo. He was not happy with the draw – once they got the equaliser, he wanted the win, and I am delighted he has got a couple of goals. He has been so good in a Wolves shirt.”
Lemina has been incredible for Wolves
Edwards may well be right about Lemina being Wolves’ best player in 2023. Although, Craig Dawson has also been magnificent at the back.
Before £45,000-a-week star Lemina came to Wolves, the midfield was definitely lacking bite, aggression and mobility.
Wolves fans had loved watching the likes of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, with the Portuguese pair known for being technically brilliant.
The midfield now has a very different vibe with Lemina and Joao Gomes, who are two fantastic ball-winners. While they are real workhorses, they are no less ‘watchable’ than Neves and Moutinho.
Lemina’s impact on the team has been remarkable. He is easily one of the best signings the club have made in years.