Wolves wing-back Nelson Semedo has enjoyed a fantastic season at Molineux and it has now emerged that he’s outperforming some of the Premier League’s best.
Gary O’Neil’s impact at Wolves has been widespread since his arrival in August last year.
The 40-year-old has worked miracles with a thin squad and improved the fortunes of several players, including forward Matheus Cunha, midfielder Joao Gomes and wing-back Nelson Semedo.
Many felt the Old Gold were doomed this term after offloading their star talents without replacing them, but O’Neil’s man management has been impeccable and Semedo has benefitted from the belief he’s instilled into the squad.
The Portuguese wing-back has appeared in all but two of his side’s Premier League games this term, with O’Neil describing his form down the right flank as “incredible“.
Although the 30-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, Wolves would be silly to part ways with Semedo – despite his £80k-a-week wages – as his attacking output is so important to this system.
Nelson Semedo is outperforming Cole Palmer and Jeremy Doku in one Premier League statistic
Semedo’s most explosive attribute is his ability to drive up the flank at speed, donning the accolade of being the fastest player aged 30 and above in the Premier League.
That isn’t the only statistic where the former Barcelona whiz ranks high as he’s also a proficient dribbler, capable of weaving in and out of his opponents.
As relayed by the Other14 on Twitter, the Wolves star ranks above Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer for dribble success rate, boasting a percentage of 59.5%.
Considering Palmer and Doku are regarded as two of the best at dribbling in the top flight, Semedo only ranking lower than Rodri, Ross Barkley and Alexander Isak is an impressive feat.
It demonstrates just what a fantastic season he’s had and why Wolves are now left with a difficult position.
Nelson Semedo contract decision looms
O’Neil has dragged Semedo back to his best form, the level he was expecting to reach after arriving from Barca for £28 million in 2020.
Although it’s great to see the Portuguese become such an important player for Wolves, it has given the club a difficult decision to make.
If he was still performing like he did under Julen Lopetegui, offloading him this summer wouldn’t feel like bad business, but since he’s performing so well, letting him go seems ridiculous.
Semedo is entering the final year of his £80k-per-week contract at Molineux.
Statistically the second highest earner in the squad behind only Spaniard Pablo Sarabia, Wolves may chose to offload his hefty wages to free some budget this summer.
However, the quality he’s shown would be difficult to replace without paying a sizeable fee, so a huge decision awaits this summer, as he’ll either depart or leave on a free transfer in 2025.