Wolves made it five wins on the bounce in the Premier League against Manchester United at the weekend – and one player has come in for high praise for his professionalism.
Wolves fans hailed Pablo Sarabia after he scored a stunning free-kick that was the difference at Old Trafford.
The Spaniard came off the bench to provide a moment of genuine quality, in a game that had been lacking it.
Wolves were not at their best, but managed to grind out the win, to make it a league double over United for the first time since 1979/80.
The backline was particularly impressive on the day.
Santiago Bueno did a great job coming in for Matt Doherty, who was only fit enough for the bench.
Emmanuel Agbadou was solid as usual, and Toti Gomes was arguably the standout.
But behind those three was Dan Bentley, who was called into the starting XI at the eleventh hour, after Jose Sa picked up an injury in the warm up.
Bentley spoke after the game, and left Wolves fans extremely impressed.
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Bentley rarely plays for Wolves these days.
He was initially in the bench on Saturday, Sam Johnstone again unavailable. But after the injury to Sa he then started.
And Bentley did well on the whole, despite a couple of nervous flaps on set-pieces. And after the game, he spoke to the club’s media team.
Bentley spoke for a few minutes, and talked about being prepared to play if needed.
Bentley admitted he did not expect the call when he woke up on Sunday, but said that he lives his life for the eventualities of playing. And that everything he does is geared towards getting called on to play, no matter how unlikely it is.
On social media, fans lapped up Bentley’s post-match interview and performance against United.
@C7Burton said: “Top Pro, players like this don’t get the praise they deserve! Well done Dan.”
@wolveglobalboub added: “Seems like a top professional, can see why they have kept him around the club. He seems a good character and is happy to not feature regularly. More than happy to keep guys like him and King around the club. And he can also be useful on days like yesterday.”
@SiWolves73 said: “Well played Dan. A player that has never thrown a strop because he wasn’t picked. Always celebrated with the team at the end even when he hasn’t played. That’s the type of player we need around the club.”
@brimfieldben said: “Very eloquent. Well spoken and more importantly, well played!”
@daveandwolves added: “Very eloquent and assured in his interview…….fair play to him waiting for his turn.”
Bentley a brilliant signing by Wolves
Wolves signed a number of players in the January 2023 window to help the club stave off relegation that season.
Mario Lemina and Craig Dawson were seen as the most influential additions, but Bentley was also signed in that window and – even though he hasn’t played much since his arrival – it’s clear he’s been a great signing.
Bentley – who is part of a leadership group at Wolves – knows his role and does not kick up a fuss. But he holds himself to high standards, and pushes those ahead of him.
He’s always ready if needed, and it’s so clear that he just gets it from his post-match interview.
There is not a hint of ego, and the dressing room is much better for him being in there.