The Athletic reporter Tim Spiers has recently discussed the left wing-back options in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ squad.
During the recent transfer window, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side signed Marcal from Olympique Lyon for £1.8m and his main position is on the left side of the defence (per Transfermarkt).
However, in the Old Gold’s last three matches in the Premier League, Wolves’ Moroccan defensive midfielder Romain Saiss has filled in on the left side of the pitch.
While he picked up a 7.34/10 performance rating against Fulham, his performances have gradually worsened as he picked up a 6.92/10 against Leeds United and a 6.75/10 against Newcastle United (per WhoScored).
So, in the latest episode of The Athletic’s The Molineux View podcast, Spiers discussed Saiss’ recent appearances in the left wing-back position.
He said: “One point I would make which we haven’t spoken about is left wing-back. Romain Saiss, you know, brilliant, well done to him, filled in when they needed him – but that’s got to stop now.
“There were quite a few occasions against Newcastle where the ball was spread and moved out to the left wing and then Saiss either ran it out for a goal-kick or lost possession or put a poor cross over or didn’t cross it at all.
“So, yes, that’s been great, but Nuno now has to make a tough decision.
“He’ll have to bring Marcal in at left wing-back and then he’ll have to either drop [Max] Kilman, who [was] pretty flawless against Newcastle, very, very good – or drop the Morocco captain, Saiss.
“Now, that’s an extremely, extremely tough decision but it’s one he’s going to have to make, because Saiss cannot stay at left wing-back for me.”
TIF Thoughts on what Tim Spiers had to say about the left wing-back position…
As can be seen in what the journalist had to say, he believes that Nuno Santo has to make a “tough decision” over dropping Kilman or Saiss as Marcal needs to be reintroduced to the side.
Who should Nuno Espirito Santo start at left wing-back against Crystal Palace?
Saiss
Marcal
However, in his three appearances at left wing-back, Saiss has earned a 7.00/10 average rating, which is far stronger than Marcal’s 6.54/10 average rating over four league appearances.
So, judging from the average ratings, it would seem that the Moroccan is performing better while filling in on the left side of Wolves’ defence than what Marcal has done across the season so far.