Jose Sa has been one of the signings of the Premier League season so far and that has earned him praise from Sky Sports pundit Rob Green.
The former England goalkeeper analysed footage of Sa’s season so far, and was clearly impressed with his decision making, command of his area and distribution.
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He said that Sa has been an upgrade on Rui Patricio, despite being further down the pecking order at international level for Portugal than his countryman.
Bruno Lage wants Wolves to be more proactive and that process will continue as the months roll on, probably with a higher defensive line and Sa’s ability to sweep up behind will become even more important then.
“He really has been a key point in this Wolves side which has been excellent in defence,” said Green of Sa. “He’s made big, big saves in big games.
“His decision making in terms of when to stay and when to come out… it’s almost picture perfect.
“He makes saves in tight games and where he is an upgrade on Rui Patricio is his distribution and coming for crosses.
“He’s got this understanding with the likes of Daniel Podence and Raul Jimenez that he does look for (them). Then wow – the distribution. He’s got that ability and these players are realising it’s a threat.”
Wolves got their summer decisions between the sticks absolutely spot on. They had Sa lined up before Patricio even went and got him in as soon as his exit to join Roma was confirmed.
Sa has been better suited to what Lage wants to do at Wolves, in terms of being proactive and getting on the front foot, rather than sitting deep, which is better for a goalkeeper like Patricio who wants to wait on his line.
That has actually seen Wolves improve defensively and may be one reason why the concessions from set pieces which dogged last season have been less frequent this time around.
Sa has to be up there with the best value signings of the season and that is one huge factor behind why Wolves are defending so well and can look at a run on the European places in the latter months of the season.
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