Jose Sa appears to have been back to his best recently for Wolves – and there is now a statistic to further highlight this.
The 30-year-old was bang at it against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, making six saves.
Sa, a ÂŁ7 million signing from Olympiacos, had some struggles before the World Cup.
He made a few penalty saves, but also wasn’t his usual assertive self in goal.
He set the bar high following an absolutely terrific debut season.
But in the early parts of 2022/23, he shaky between the sticks for Wolves.
But things have been better of late, and an interesting statistic (via The Other 14) has popped up regarding Sa’s save percentage.
Prior to the World Cup, Sa made 40 saves and had conceded 23 goals and his save percentage was calculated at 63.5%.
Since returning from the World Cup, Sa has made 34 saves and conceded 11 goals. His save percentage currently is 75.6%.
That is a difference of 12.1%, which is the biggest improvement out of the goalkeepers at non-Big Six clubs.
He is slightly ahead of Bernd Leno, David Raya and Mark Travers.
Sa’s save percentage being up after the World Cup may be down to the fact he was able to reset and take stock.
There is also the notion that he is now being provided with a stronger push at Molineux.
Towards the end of the January transfer window, Wolves moved to bring in Dan Bentley from Bristol City. Matija Sarkic, who had been Sa’s deputy, was sent out on loan to Stoke City.
Bentley’s arrival at Molineux appears to have coincided with Sa showing the best form he’s shown all season.
He has been particularly good over the past month or so, and was key to Wolves picking up seven points in February.
Jose Sa save percentage statistic is very encouraging for Wolves
It has felt like Sa has been equal to more shots post-World Cup and now there is data to back it up.
This will please Julen Lopetegui and probably Tony Roberts as well.
Sa hadn’t been at the races for Wolves earlier this season. He was perhaps suffering from the pressure of setting high standards. John Ruddy leaving may also have been a factor.
But he’s looking much more convincing now.
He can still improve, mostly with his playing out from the back.
But there’s no denying Sa is somewhere close to being back to his best and long may he stay at this kind of level.