If the direction of travel is going the way we think, Rob Edwards will be picking his Wolves XI over the international break, and one player hasn’t done himself any favours against Chelsea.
It was a night to forget for followers of the Old Gold as Chelsea delivered a punishing second-half performance to nab a second win over Wolves in ten days.
Pedro Neto celebrating a goal for Chelsea was about the only thing that even got Wolves fans talking. It’s an unpleasant feeling.
No Wolves player came close to earning the shirt, but one man in particular really struggled and didn’t make a case to Edwards for breaking back into the lineup.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde wasn’t at it against Chelsea
As much as Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has been a useful player for Wolves during his time at Molineux, Saturday night’s display once again pointed to the Haitian not being a reliable starter in the midfield.
Bellegarde lost possession on a number of occasions, offered little threat going forward and looked uncomfortable with the ball at his feet. And it’s not for the first time this season.
If tonight was an Edwards audition, Bellegarde didn’t do enough to get a callback.
Of his 32 touches from the midfield, none were in the box. He made two passes into the final third and won just one duel all game. He was a non-factor, swallowed by Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the park.
Wolves need a midfielder in January
Just like in the summer, Wolves again need to try signing a midfielder.
Joao Gomes and Andre are quality options, but they play the game in a similar way. What Wolves need is a different profile of midfielder. One who will drive the ball forward and show a bit more attacking impetus than what the two Brazilians provide.
Hayden Hackney could be tempted to follow Rob Edwards to Molineux. He fits exactly what Wolves need to be shopping for and they have shown plenty of interest in him. But if not Hackney, someone.
As great as Marshall Munetsi and Bellegarde have been for Wolves at times, they lack that technical edge needed to be a real attacking threat in the Premier League.