Wolves fans have been giving their takes about Fernando Marcal’s debut on social media, after the club beat Sheffield United 2-0 on Monday night.
The Brazilian was thrown straight in from the start by Nuno Espirito Santo at Bramall Lane, operating as the left wing-back in place of the injured Jonny.
That was a somewhat surprising move from the manager, with Marcal having grown used to playing as a left-sided centre-back at Lyon.
(Photo by Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images)
But the 2020 Champions League semi-finalist was preferred to Ruben Vinagre, and he absolutely justified his selection.
It was definitely a solid first outing from the South American, who didn’t allow United right wing-back George Baldock any kind of influence in the match.
According to WhoScored, Marcal won five aerial duels, made three clearances and two interceptions.
He also made 33 passes in the game at a completion rate of 78%.
(Photo by Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images)
Not mindblowing statistics, but never once did the star look uncomfortable or out of his depth.
His performance was most definitely admirable considering left wing-back is an alien position for him, and it is exciting to see how good he could be in the position the more he operates there.
Lots of Wolves fans on social media were certainly left impressed by Marcal’s debut:
Very good. Looks solid
— Dylan Pro (@WelshWolf81) September 14, 2020
Really good
— Adama Is Slow (@SlowAdama) September 14, 2020
Looks a bargain so far
— Trader_Jimmy (@Trader_Jimmy21) September 14, 2020
Solid but not spectacular, exactly what you want on a defender’s debut.
Will be a much better fit on the left of the back 3 when Johnny is back
— Stackhaus (@AlexWStackhouse) September 14, 2020
Looks good…I like that he seems to have a bit of a mean streak.
— Uncle Polar Pop🐺 (@BroccoliPhil) September 14, 2020
Exactly what we needed
— Howard Phillips (@howiep76) September 14, 2020
The man is a rock🐺
— Chris Munn (@Supermunn) September 14, 2020
Very good first game. Felt like he has been a wolves player for a long time. Him and Saiss seem to be a good left footed partnership. Happy days! 😀
— Danny T™️ 🇬🇧 (@taylor_d1210) September 14, 2020
Composed. Great debut.
— Neswulf (@Hreodgarcynn) September 14, 2020
Solid
— Matt Turner (@mattyte12) September 14, 2020
Didn’t put a foot wrong.
Looked comfortable on the ball & good distribution.
A solid 7/10.🐺👍— dave (@Dave00293457) September 14, 2020