Wolves return to Premier League action against Everton on Wednesday night, and Mario Lemina has now sent an ‘honest’ message to his teammates.
During Wolves’ previous two matches, Mario Lemina has been at the centre of greatness and disappointment in equal measure.
In the thrashing of Fulham, Lemina starred in a centre-back role, assuming that position after Santiago Bueno and Craig Dawson missed out on the contest.
Lemina then left Lee Naylor stunned after he played in defence for the full game against Bournemouth, as the Old Gold made multiple mistakes which led to a 4-2 defeat.
For the Wolves captain, it was a sign that he should return to his usual midfield role in Wednesday’s trip to Everton, as he sends a clear message to his teammates.
Mario Lemina of Wolverhampton Wanderers in action during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and AFC Bournemouth at Molineu...
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Mario Lemina’s ‘honest’ message to Wolves teammates
In the heat of a relegation battle, the captain of any football club is expected to step up and lead by example.
Lemina has so often shown those characteristics, even before he was named captain in the summer, and Wolves need them now more than ever to overcome Everton.
The Gabon international has now offered his verdict on the defeat against Bournemouth while urging his fellow players to ‘move on’ from that result.
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Speaking to Wolves’ official website, the 31-year-old said: “To be honest, we have to move on. We had been doing well since the Brighton game. We had four games unbeaten and Bournemouth did really well against us.
“They’re really intense, pressing us, and we made a lot of mistakes, and we should do better. It’s part of the football, we tried to play our game, they did well, they deserved the win because we made some mistakes. We have to move on right now and try to win against Everton.”
Lemina centre-back experiment must end vs Everton
In the convincing win over Fulham, O’Neil was perhaps forced to play Lemina as a centre-back, given who was absent and only youngster Alfie Pond as another realistic option.
With Lemina producing an incredible performance in defence, including the wonderful assist for Matheus Cunha, the decision to continue to play him in that role against Bournemouth was perhaps justified.
Now, after being trounced by the Cherries on Saturday, it’s become clear that this centre-back experiment must be brought to an end, with Bueno and Dawson returning to the starting XI.
Mario Lemina stats per 90 past year
85.4% pass completion
0.76 successful take-ons
3.03 tackles
1.39 interceptions
2.52 clearances
1.15 aerials won
There’s no question of Lemina’s importance to O’Neil’s squad, and the captain must return to his midfield position at Goodison Park.
This change – including the switch to a back three – could help galvanise Wolves to an all-important three points.
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