Wolverhampton Wanderers enjoyed a 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday and Joao Moutinho was one of many players lauded by supporters for his performance. The 33-year-old controlled the midfield and gave little up for Conor Hourihane and Marvelous Nakamba, leading to the pair being substituted.
👏🏻Baller👏🏻
— Dave Foster (@daveandwolves) June 27, 2020
Class, ageless and all round top player
— steve turner (@eyesdownlooking) June 27, 2020
The master 👏👏👏
— Lawrence Haynes (@LawrenceHayne10) June 27, 2020
You were fantastic again today, keep going!
— Andrew Mountford (@AndyMountford12) June 27, 2020
Amazing player just runs the show love his football to bits.
— Mark Barnett (@MarkBar80051374) June 27, 2020
Pleasure to watch 👏👏👏👍
— Asha (@Davidas94610917) June 27, 2020
Against Villa, Moutinho played for 90 minutes, had 58 touches, completed 90% of his 50 passes, created two chances, whipped in three crosses with 66% accuracy, attempted 10 long balls with 70% finding a teammate and made two tackles.
Wolves only paid £5m to sign Moutinho from AS Monaco in 2018. The midfielder has gone on to make 93 appearances across the board. This season, the Portuguese international has made 49/51 appearances, scoring one goal and making 13 assists.
Moutinho shone as part of a three-man midfield. Leander Dendoncker frequently turned over possession and thwarted every Villa attack alongside him while Ruben Neves controlled the play and kept the ball from the opposition.
Moutinho provided a blend of both, even at the age of 33. He’s still highly influential and could help Wolves seal Champions League football for next season – the Midlands outfit are fifth in the Premier League with 52 points from 32 games.
Next up for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side is Arsenal on July 4. They may fancy their chances, having won five and drawn one of their last six.
