Wolverhampton Wanderers have been debating what Leander Dendoncker’s position should be going forwards, after the Belgian slotted in at centre-half against Leicester City.
The 25-year-old returned to the side after starting on the bench against Arsenal, but took up a position alongside Conor Coady at right centre-back, rather than in midfield.
Dendoncker had been used exclusively in the middle of the park this season, but a hamstring injury for Willy Boly saw Nuno Espirito Santo turn to the former Anderlecht star, with Romain Saiss returning to the bench after an injury of his own.
Dendoncker was superb against the Foxes and provided great protection in behind Nelson Semedo.
Of course, it’s a position he is not alien to.
Dendoncker operated in that same role several times last term when Boly was recovering from an ankle injury.
He’s clearly very capable, but some love to see him and his physicality in the engine room, complementing the more stylish Ruben Neves.
This term, he’s largely been playing as a box-to-box midfielder, but his lacklustre finishing has meant he is still without a goal so far.
After his solid performance against Leicester at the back, some Wolves fans now believe that that is where he should be playing going forwards, especially with Boly unavailable for the next few weeks:
CB. Need a better CM than him.
— James (@vallaurian) February 9, 2021
Centre back, said it when he started playing regularly for us. Has pace, can bring the ball out confidently and pass it. Attributes of premier league defenders that we don’t have. Needs work defensively but we should persevere.
— Jay O’Keeffe (@jayok79) February 9, 2021
Definitely centre half. Reminds me so much of what we did with Neil Emblem.
— Alan Stanley (@Zigwolf) February 9, 2021
CB for sure. He’s had his chance in a midfield role and it hasn’t worked. Can’t have him Neves and JM In midfield scoring 3 goals a season between them.
— Paul Lindsay (@Paullindsay69) February 9, 2021
Centre back & saiss in midfield
— Andy Garvey (@G19RVE) February 9, 2021
He’s an average midfielder, or potentially a top centre half if he concentrated on that position.
— Russ (@Russt_29) February 9, 2021
I fully appreciate what Coady has done for the team but there is now a case for Dendoncker to play sweeper with Boly and Kilman alongside him. Coady might just be the answer to RB or a midfield back up.
— David Sandford (@dsandford125) February 9, 2021
Centre half, in a 4, with a fit Boly
— Steve Morgan (@stevemogs72) February 9, 2021