Wolves defender Santiago Bueno started for Uruguay in their World Cup qualifying clash against Peru.
It’s been an incredibly difficult start to the season for Wolves, who have failed to win any of their first seven matches in the Premier League.
Gary O’Neil will hope that his players come back refreshed ahead of their home clash against Manchester City next weekend.
One player who will hope to be in the starting XI for that game is Santi Bueno, having started just once in the league this term – a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Bueno was seen as a fourth-choice centre-back at the start of the campaign however, the long-term injury to Yerson Mosquera has since seen his importance blossom, and that remains the case for his nation.
Uruguayan media on Santi Bueno performance
Uruguay were beaten 1-0 against Peru in World Cup qualifying as Miguel Araujo scored an 88th-minute winner.
Bueno started on the left of a back three in that match alongside Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte and Flamengo’s Guillermo Varela.
The 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes in that defeat, and the Uruguayan media have since reacted to his performance.
El Observador rated his performance against Peru, handing him a 6/10 rating while praising his ‘good defensive work’ and his threat going forward.
“He was the stopper on the left. After 13 minutes he appeared on the left side of the attack to put in a cross that created a goal situation through a header by Darwin Núñez. Good defensive work in a formation in which he had never played before.”
El Pais shared a similar positive verdict on his performance, labelling Bueno the ‘solution’ to some moments of ‘anxiety’ in defence and awarding him a 6/10 rating.
“The only one in his natural position in the back line; it was noticeable. He had a good closing and solved an error by Ugarte in a back pass and was always the solution to some moments of anxiety.”
How Wolves’ Santi Bueno played vs Peru
O’Neil should take notice of Bueno’s performance in a back three and use it as inspiration for upcoming Wolves matches.
Bueno was a key figure in Uruguay’s build-up play, making 87 touches of the ball while spraying 89% of his passes accurately and finding five long balls.
The former Girona star was also crucial in the defensive side of the game – and that will please O’Neil the most – as he produced some impressive statistics.
Santi Bueno stats vs Peru as per Sofascore
- 1 clearance
- 3 blocked shots
- 4 interceptions
- 2 tackles
- 2 ground duels won
This display will perhaps get Wolves fans excited knowing the best is yet to come from Bueno and the catalyst to seeing him perform to such a level could be the switch to a back three.
Indeed, after conceding 21 goals in seven games, a change is needed for O’Neil and his Uruguayan titan can play an instrumental role.