Wolves took a point against Fulham on Friday night – and it was clear to see how much better the team is with Mario Lemina in it.
Julen Lopetegui’s side played out a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.
Pablo Sarabia gave Wolves the lead in the first-half, finishing off a lovely team move.
Manor Solomon equalised for Fulham in the second-half, cutting in and firing an unstoppable shot into the far corner.
Fulham pushed for a winner late on and Jose Sa did produce a big save from Carlos Vinicius to keep things level. In the end, Wolves will be fairly happy with a point.
Lopetegui will be pleased with what he saw from his side, especially in the first-half.
And it was clear to see how much better Wolves are with Lemina in midfield.
He was back in the starting lineup after serving his suspension against Bournemouth, and he produced an excellent display in the engine room.
The 29-year-old provided energy and tenacity, and he just generally raised the standards from the previous weekend against Bournemouth.
It was perhaps easy to say Lemina had been missed against the Cherries given the result. But this showing against Fulham really did highlight what a difference he makes to Wolves when he plays.
He relishes doing the dirty work. And that enables the more technical players to be more influential.
Quite simply, Lemina is a really unique option.
And it’s possible that he has already established himself as an undroppable player.
Mario Lemina makes a world of difference to Wolves’ midfield, as star returns against Fulham
When he signed for around ÂŁ10 million, not too many people thought that Lemina would be a regular starter.
But after five appearances for Wanderers, he has shown that he deserves to be.
Wolves’ midfield has a much better balance to it when he plays.
He really does dominate in that holding midfield position, and gives license to the likes of Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes to play further forward where they can be more influential.
Without doubt, Lemina has to be one of the first names on the teamsheet right now.