Wolves U18s manager Steve Davis has spoken of his pride after Dexter Lembikisa was selected for a first-team squad by Bruno Lage.
The left wing-back was with Wolves for their FA Cup third round clash with Sheffield United last Sunday.
It was the 18-year-old’s first time with the first-team, an experience he is unlikely to forget.
Lembikisa didn’t get any minutes this time at Molineux. But it is a clear sign the youngster has been developing well within the academy.
The starlet has been enjoying a good season in 2021/22.
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He has been a feature for both the U18s and the U23s. And in November, he penned his first pro deal as a reward for his impressive development in recent months.
After U23s boss James Collins sang his praises, Davis has now showered his own praise on the starlet.
David said (via Wolves official): “Dexter was never a player who was top of the list and didn’t have massive expectations put upon him because he was regarded as an ‘elite’ player, so he’s gone under the radar and come through in his own time.
“What he does is that he listens, he picks up things well and he has a great belief in himself. He’s got a great temperament, a great personality and he does what you want him to do. That’s a big skill to have as a kid, to follow instruction.
“He’s a good listener and a good learner and that’s why his development has gone a lot quicker than others.”
It remains to be seen if Lembikisa will take to the pitch for the first-team at any point between now and the end of the season.
The starlet will certainly be buoyed by the fact that Luke Cundle actually got some minutes against Sheffield United.
Dexter Lembikisa one to watch out for at Wolves
It was fantastic to see the talented Lembikisa making the Wolves first-team bench on Sunday.
It is clear he has worked very hard in recent times.
Scott Sellars also noted the teenager’s fantastic work ethic after he had signed his pro deal.
Talent and potential are two things in football. But it is so important that the desire to always work hard is there, too.
It seems Lembikisa has all those things. Hopefully, in a couple of years perhaps, we will be seeing him in and around the first-team much more regularly.