Bruno Lage has hailed youngster Luke Cundle, after the youngster made his full Premier League debut today against Tottenham Hotspur.
The 19-year-old was something of a surprise name in the starting XI, with Joao Moutinho still injured.
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Lage opted to go with three in the middle and take out winger Francisco Trincao.
And Cundle can be absolutely delighted with his first start in the English top-flight.
The exciting talent did not look overawed as he shared the pitch with superstar names like Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.
He just went about his game, and was really tidy when he got on the ball.
According to Sofascore data, Cundle misplaced just one of his 26 attempted passes, giving him a completion rate of 96%. He also created one ‘big’ chance.
Cundle has been a regular on the bench for the Wolves first-team this season.
He made his debut against Southampton last month when he went on right at the very end.
But today was his moment, and Lage is pleased with his contribution, suggesting he announced himself.
He said (BBC Sport, 4:42pm) “I can see from the first day good things about him. Today the plan was to play with four midfielders. His team-mates, they have a lot of confidence in the kid.
“They see these things in training. Top players give him the ball because he doesn’t lose it. If they feel this confidence it is easier for me to put him in. When you have your chance you need to say ‘I am here’ and he did. He was comfortable in the game. Now he has to work to have a good career in football.”
A perfect afternoon for Wolves as Luke Cundle makes first Premier League start
Today could not have gone much better for Wolves really.
Bouncing back from the defeat to Arsenal was the main thing. But it was a great performance in parts, and Cundle can be very proud of himself tonight.
Coming into the starting XI to be an alternative to someone like Moutinho, who has been so good, might have been a daunting prospect.
But he kept things nice and simple and potentially showed he can have more first-team minutes going forwards.
Wolves fans are awaiting news on Moutinho’s condition, but this showing from Cundle has suggested he can at least be an option in his absence.