Former forward and football pundit Garth Crooks has ripped into Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Portuguese full-back Nelson Semedo.
During the latest round of Premier League fixtures, the Old Gold were defeated 1-0 by Aston Villa at Molineux (per Premier League).
The winning goal for Dean Smith’s side came late on as Anwar El Ghazi bagged a spot-kick in second-half stoppage time to seal three points for the Villans.
The penalty was awarded after Semedo brought down John McGinn in the 18-yard box with little time left on the clock.
During BBC Sport’s Final Score, Crooks discussed the loss for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side and slammed Semedo for giving away the penalty.
He said: “I’ve seen a lot of that from full-backs who should know better in that position. The forward’s got in front of them in the box. Now, the forward’s still got a lot to do.
“He’s not going to score from that position – yes, he can put the ball into a dangerous part of the penalty area – but why you’re climbing all over that forward, I just don’t know.
“I’ve seen it today with Semedo, I’ve seen it with Benjamin Mendy at [Manchester] City, I’ve seen it with Kyle Walker. These players should know better.
“It really must be frustrating for managers when you’re seeing full-backs doing stupid things.”
TIF Thoughts on what Garth Crooks said about Nelson Semedo…
As can be seen in what the pundit had to say, he was not impressed with the penalty that the full-back gave away against the Villans as it was “stupid”.
Would you agree that it was a 'stupid' challenge from Nelson Semedo on John McGinn?
No, he had to make it
Yes, it was a mistake
The defeat against Villa has left the Old Gold having won five, drawn two and lost five of their opening 12 matches in the top flight this term (per Transfermarkt).
With Wolves having agreed to a deal which could see them pay as much as £37m to Barcelona for Semedo (per BBC), it could be argued that he has been disappointing in his first 10 Premier League appearances.
Aside from his performances in defence, the £31.5m-rated man has provided neither a goal nor an assist for the Old Gold in the top flight.
Hopefully, for Nuno Santo and Wolves, Semedo can begin to settle in at Molineux and improve on his goal involvements tally and lapses in defence before too long.