Wolves were beaten 4-2 by Bournemouth in their latest Premier League game – and Mario Lemina was again deployed as a centre-back.
Lemina was used in a pairing with Toti Gomes for the Fulham game, and both players did really well in the absence of the injured Craig Dawson and Santiago Bueno.
They kept their places against Bournemouth, but unfortunately, they both had really poor games against the Cherries.
The solidity they showed against the Cottagers was non-existent, with Toti giving away a penalty in the first minute and Lemina just all over the place positionally.
Lee Naylor was baffled that Gary O’Neil didn’t move Lemina out of defence, with Bournemouth causing a lot of problems.
He played the whole game in the backline, and after the game, Lemina spoke about his latest position for Wolves.
Mario Lemina admits playing centre-back can be difficult
It will be a real surprise if Lemina stays as a centre-back against Everton after the game with Bournemouth.
The Gabon international will surely push forward, or potentially even drop to the bench, with Bueno and Dawson both fit and available to play.
Lemina has played so many positions for Wolves since he signed, and he’s now given his thoughts about playing as a centre-back.
He said (via Wolves official): “Different challenges. It’s been really interesting. The first time that I played in a back four, and I try to be as consistent as I am in the midfield, try to help the team as much as I can, try to find the right way to play, to make play with others as well, to make them confident that we’re going to keep our goal, our defence, as strong as possible. Sometimes it works, sometimes it’s difficult, and it was difficult in the last game.
“It’s about details, and when you give away three penalties in one game, it’s harder. But I’m going to do my best, even if I play defender, striker, winger. I’ve been all around in this team, and I’m really pleased with that, I like to try new things, to challenge myself.”
Lemina needs to play as a number eight for Wolves
Lemina did really well against Fulham but then struggled against Bournemouth.
O’Neil has talked up Lemina as an option to play as a centre-back if needs be, but unless there’s an injury crisis he needs to play in midfield as number eight.
Lemina is at his very best when he’s allowed to go from box to box. he has the stamina and the dynamism to be that all-action player in the middle.
Despite his physicality, the deeper he plays, the more he is wasted. We saw last season how Lemina actually can provide an attacking threat if the shackles are released.
But then, he’s also one of the best ball-winners in the Premier League. So that number eight role really is perfect for him.