It’s difficult to find a better January signing than Emmanuel Agbadou this term, as the Wolves defender continues to prove why he was a bargain.
Wolves signed Agbadou for just £16.6 million from Stade Reims, becoming Vitor Pereira’s first and best signing of the January window.
The 27-year-old has been a rock in the heart of the Wanderers’ back three, impressing with his exceptional ball-playing skills and incredible strength in duels.
Agbadou has been praised heavily since moving to the Premier League, with expert Liam Keen labelling the Ivorian as ‘mesmeric’ on the ball.
Wolves are Europe’s in-form team after winning six consecutive matches, and a lot of their success can be attributed to the performances of Agbadou.
Emmanuel Agbadou hasn’t lost a 50/50 duel in the Premier League
Sometimes it can take a while for a player to adapt to the levels required in the Premier League, but the Ivory Coast international has performed like he’s been in the league for over a decade.
Agbadou is physically commanding in duels, using his upper-body strength and tackling ability to dispossess opposition attackers.
Wolves’ rise up the Premier League is largely down to the defensive stability he’s brought, and the fact that he’s remarkably not lost a 50/50 duel since joining the club.
As highlighted by PFF FC, who delve deep into statistical data, Agbadou has won 24/24 fifty/fifty duels, proving how invaluable he’s been.
A colossal presence in defence who no attacker can outmuscle, Agbadou has also won 4.86 duels per game and made 5.71 clearances, telling of his brilliant influence.
Following Wolves massive win over Ipswich Town in April, Nathan Judah called Agbadou one of the signings of the season.
But it’s become clear that for what he’s achieved in Wolverhampton, he deserves to be at the top of that list, as he’s completely transformed a defence that was struggling before his arrival.
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Agbadou is Wolves’ best defender since Conor Coady
Agbadou has every tool in his locker that suggests he’s a top defender, including his recovery pace, strength, positional awareness and passing attributes.
The last time Wolves had an instrumental figure in the heart of their defence was Conor Coady, whose leadership presence and defensive prowess helped the Wanderers qualify for Europe on two occasions.
Coady was serenaded by Wolves fans on Saturday as a visiting player, with his Leicester City side losing 3-0.
But the Englishman will always be remembered by what he achieved at the club, and so far, Agbadou is threatening to follow in his footsteps.
The Ivorian is already adored by the supporters, and if he can help them get into Europe or win a trophy during his time at the club, he will surely surpass Coady’s legacy.