Up to this point in the season, Wolves fans have had plenty to celebrate as their team pushes for a spot in Europe next term.
However, there is always room for improvement, and that could perhaps come in the middle of the park. While key men Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves are seemingly never too far away from praise, perhaps there is more doubt over some of the other options such as Leander Dendoncker.
Indeed, former midfielder Dave Edwards recently claimed in the Express and Star: “I also think they need another midfielder. Neves and Moutinho are very technical and Dendoncker is a little bit different, but he’s not hit the levels to make Wolves a better team.”
Morgan Gibbs-White
While out on loan with Sheffield United this season, Gibbs-White has shown a great eye for goal with seven strikes to his name, as well as five assists in 20 league outings. He gets off an average of 2.2 shots per game and makes 1.6 key passes in that time, too (via WhoScored) – which goes some way to explaining his attacking contributions.
However, perhaps because of that, his passing accuracy is not exactly brilliant, standing at 76.3% this season. He also doesn’t add a great deal defensively, with an average of 0.7 tackles, 0.3 interceptions and 0 blocks per game.
It’s clear to see the player’s strengths exist in an attacking sense as opposed to defensively.
Does Morgan Gibbs-White deserve a chance at Wolves next season?
Yes
No
Leander Dendoncker
Dendoncker isn’t really a player who’s going to create too much, though he has scored once and provided two assists in 20 Premier League matches this term. He is, however, pretty secure on the ball, with an 86.1% passing success rate this season – though his passing is more conservative than Gibbs-White, who tries 0.5 more long-ball attempts per game.
On top of that, Dendoncker makes 1.1 tackles, 0.4 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, and 0.4 blocks per game (via WhoScored). So it’s no surprise to see he provides a lot more defensive protection.
It should also not be forgotten that the Belgian has been playing in the higher division.
TIF Verdict…
Considering Wolves already have a strong base in the middle of the park with Neves and Moutinho and they rarely concede goals, it’s fair to say the club could probably use a player with more attacking qualities added to their team, as opposed to another defensive-minded player.
With that in mind, Gibbs-White could potentially come in and give the team that little extra spark of creativity and goal threat in the midfield.
Dendoncker is certainly the safer, more conservative option – and by no means a bad one to have as a backup – but if Bruno Lage wants more goals from his team, it may be worth taking a punt on Gibbs-White next season, perhaps at the Belgian’s expense.
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