Gary O’Neil yesterday praised Jean-Ricner Bellegarde following his impressive debut against Liverpool.
Wolves crashed to a 3-1 defeat in the lunchtime kick-off at Molineux.
It was a very disappointing end result, given how well Wolves played in the first-half.
Wolves were superior to Liverpool in all aspects in the first 45.
And it was Hwang Hee-chan who put Wolves ahead after great work by Pedro Neto.
But Wolves couldn’t find the second or third goal they needed. And ultimately, Liverpool edged the contest, turning the game around in the second-half.
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The display of Neto was at least a big positive for Wolves.
As was the the performance of Bellegarde, who looks a real player in midfield…
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde draws praise from Gary O’Neil as he shines on Wolves debut
O’Neil will certainly take positives from this result.
Wolves were amazing in the first-half.
It is just about getting the players to sustain their level, and obviously becoming more clinical.
Bellegarde came into the side and looked really good.
The £13 million signing from Strasbourg operated as an attacking midfielder, and showcased brilliant ball carrying and intelligent use of the ball.
His touch was also very good. There was a moment in the second-half where he plucked a high ball out of the sky with some lovely chest control, prompting an audible reaction from the crowed.
And he impressed his manager, with O’Neil saying after the game (via Wolves official): “Bellegarde did well and tired a little bit towards the end, but he did very well, especially in the first half.
“There are lots we can still work with, but lots we can still improve, including the decision making for the second goal which was obviously disappointing, and there were a couple of other sloppy turnovers where we caused our own problems.”
Bellegarde looks a player
As debuts go, Bellegarde’s against Liverpool was pretty good.
The Frenchman had looked really good in training according to O’Neil, who then decided to start him against the Reds.
And he fully justified his selection.
He looks to be another very good ball carrier, and someone who can pick good passes in and around the final third.