Julen Lopetegui is enduring a solid start to life as Wolverhampton Wanderers manager, giving the Old Gold some confidence that they can preserve their Premier League status, despite losing their previous three matches.
Although there is no shame in losing to Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City, the Spaniard will have set his standards out shortly after taking charge of the Molineux side and these defeats will be seen as potential opportunities missed to upset the apple cart.
The 56-year-old has enjoyed a successful transfer window so far and with Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal the latest player to be linked with the Old Gold, Lopetegui could end the window with a bang.
Dream Semedo upgrade
It’s natural for a new manager to stamp their authority on a club during their first honeymoon period, and that includes bringing in their own players while moving out deadwood and underperformers, with Nelson Semedo certainly falling under the latter category this season.
Across 18 league appearances this season, Semedo has a lowly Sofascore rating of 6.67/10 which ranks him as Wolves’ 17th-best performer in the top flight. The 29-year-old also ranks fourth for tackles and seventh for fouls committed and interceptions so far, further underlining just how poor he has been defensively.
It’s evident an improvement is required at right-back, and Carvajal could be a dream upgrade. The 31-year-old gets about his business without much fuss or fanfare and was described as “underrated” by journalist Zach Lowy following Real Madrid’s Champions League victory in May last year.
Carvajal would be a much better fit for Lopetegui and has been solid for Madrid this season, winning 58% of his duels, completing 88% of his attempted passes, and succeeding with a remarkable 80% of his dribble attempts, proving his all-round game is still incredible.
Compare these stats to Semedo and it’s clear who has been the better performer during the campaign, with the Portuguese defender winning 52% of his duels, completing 82% of his attempted passes, and only succeeding with 39% of his dribble attempts.
Carvajal would bring a much-needed winners mentality to a Wolves side who have few who know what it’s like to succeed at the highest level, with the 31-year-old winning five Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns during his time in the Spanish capital.
If Lopetegui is serious about taking Wolves into a new era, then a move for a player with as much quality and experience as Carvajal is a no-brainer and it could lead to an improvement in the problematic right-back position.
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