Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has encouraged a host of his players to ignite their form this season, with statistics now showing just how much better Mario Lemina has become under the boss.
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has implemented an upward trajectory at Molineux during his short time at the club so far.
Despite the Englishman having little time to prepare his small squad ahead of the 2023/24 season, the Old Gold are exceeding expectations considering their financial restrictions in the summer.
Not only are Wolves playing better as a unit, but the manager has raised the performance level of a host of his starting XI due to his playing style, with Mario Lemina being one of those impacted.
The statistic that shows how Mario Lemina has improved
As shared by Wolves’ media team, Lemina has already scored as many goals this season as he did in the previous five campaigns combined in his career.
Deployed in deep midfield, the Gabon international is thriving under O’Neil’s set-up, as highlighted by his contribution in the final third this term.
With five goals, the 30-year-old has eclipsed all of his career tallies prior to this season, showing his worth when stepping out of defensive midfield to supply an additional threat.
The manager’s attack-minded free-flowing plan at Molineux has transformed Lemina’s game, traceable beyond just his contribution to goals this season.
The importance of Mario Lemina to Wolves
As highlighted by FBref, the £45k-a-week Wolves midfielder has seen his game elevated going forward in the boss’ set-up.
This campaign, Lemina averages 0.47 key passes and 10.04 touches in the attacking third per 90 in the Premier League, a significant improvement from his average of 0.21 key passes and 5.61 final third touches in 2022/23.
O’Neil recently lauded his prized midfielder as “incredible” for his work alongside Joao Gomes in the engine room, with his exploits upfield not shifting his priority away from his defensive work.
In fact, Lemina has improved in terms of his defensive role also, averaging 2.02 tackles won per 90 compared to winning 1.66 per 90 last season, showcasing just how much the Gabon international is enjoying the manager’s approach.
With Gomes in the middle, the former Southampton ace has become a formidable force in the boss’ plans at Molineux, instating himself as one of the club’s most crucial players for his consistency and leadership in-game.
Amid Wolves’ current injury woes, players such as Lemina will be of even more importance to O’Neil, who will be calling upon his available players to raise the bar once more to pull the squad through this difficult time.