Supporters of Wolverhampton Wanderers took to social media to praise the standout performance of Belgian midfielder, Leander Dendoncker, on Sunday.
The 24-year-old defensive midfielder was deployed by Nuno Espirito Santo as a central defender in the Old Gold’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa due to defensive injuries (via Birmingham Mail).
Having taken to the position like a duck to water, playing a key role in the securing of three Premier League points, the Molineux faithful were delighted with their man.
Donk has adapted to defending very well hard to think all 3 plays at the back started as midfielders
— Nayf (@Nayfkerr) November 11, 2019
Dendonker needs to stay in defence when Boly is back it will be solid. He is playing well as a full back!
— Porta1987 (@twitchPorta1987) November 11, 2019
Dendoncker was class today.
— Matt (@smithy_co2001) November 10, 2019
The 24-year-old picked up an impressive 8/10 for the outing (as per Birmingham Mail), playing a vital role in shutting the Villans out for large periods of the game.
Another standout performer in the clash was Adama Traore, who picked up an assist and the Man of the Match award (via Wolves), but many supporters felt the latter should have gone to the Belgian.
The Donk was motm for me yesterday
— John Matrix (@JohnMatr1x) November 11, 2019
I agree Pete. I said to someone earlier I think Traore looked uninterested for most part and easily could have smashed Matt Targett or Neil Taylor plus had he looked up and seen Doc on overlap in first half, pass would have put him clean through. Donk had good match
— Dominic McGee (@dom150869) November 10, 2019
I’d have given it to Dendoncker. His defensive positioning saved our necks several times.
— Kevin Searle (@kevins1966) November 10, 2019
Crazy as it sounds, I thought Dendoncker ran him close….Mouthino was another obvious choice
— Gagan Kullar (@GaganKullar1) November 10, 2019
What do we think?
While Traore may have just edged out the 24-year-old in the player ratings, with a 9/10 (as per Birmingham Mail), Dendoncker had a solid match and was essential in securing three points.
As a midfielder, the Belgian has an average rating this season of 6.49/10, whereas when at centre-back his average is 6.9/10 (per Whoscored) – showing his Wolves future could lie in the deeper role.