Former Wolves full-back Andy Thompson heaped praise on Nelson Semedo last night after yet another great performance, believing he has become a ‘more accomplished player’ this season.
Wanderers drew 0-0 with Brighton to take a handy point on the south coast.
Brighton had most of the ball in the game, but Wolves had some decent chances to nick a win through the likes of Matheus Cunha, Pedro Neto and Mario Lemina.
The clinical edge was sadly missing last night, but Gary O’Neil was very pleased with the result, against a side that have gotten the better of Wolves in recent times.
Tommy Doyle impressed again, as did Pedro Neto on his first start since his injury.
But Nelson Semedo also played really well, and Thompson made sure to give him his flowers after the game…
Andy Thompson lauds ‘accomplished’ Nelson Semedo after Brighton 0-0 Wolves
Semedo was starting his 20th Premier League game of the season last night – and it was another really good display from the 30-year-old.
Semedo was unable to offer a huge amount going forward, given Brighton’s possession, but defensively he was really solid and prevented Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro from scoring when they’d got into dangerous positions in front of Jose Sa.
The Portugal international has lacked consistency at times for Wolves since he came to the club from Barcelona. But this season something appears to have really clicked, and former right-back Thompson is delighted with the level he’s been showing.
He said (via Wolves official): “I think this season he’s played really well. Something’s gone on, whether it’s his frame of mind or he’s worked on his defending. This season one on ones, nobody’s got past him. He’s quick, he’s been aggressive, he’s put blocks in and that’s what we want to see from him.
“I still want to see him going forward more though, because he’s got a lot to offer. He’s quick, direct and has quality up there. I know he was pinned back for long spells, because that’s the way the game was, but he’s improved his defending so much and looked a more accomplished player than the previous times he’s been here.”
Semedo is shining for Wolves
Semedo has gone under the radar a little this season because of the likes of Hwang, Neto and Cunha.
But make no mistake about it, the £80,000-a-week star has been one of Gary O’Neil’s best performers this term and there is a reason he is always picked to play on that right side.
Previously, Semedo’s defending has come under the microscope. But the 30-year-old appears to have made big strides in that area of his game. Recently, it was revealed that he had one of the highest tackle success rates in the Premier League.
He can still improve, of course. Semedo should undoubtedly be contributing more goals and assists for the positions he takes up as a wing-back.
But overall, Semedo’s game is in a great place right now and arguably, he is playing some of his best football since he arrived at the club.