Wolverhampton Wanderers booked their place in the last-16 of the Europa League with a 6-3 aggregate win over Espanyol. They lost 3-2 in the second leg, however, and Ruben Vinagre was one of many players who came in for criticism for his performance on the night.
The 20-year-old frequently relinquished possession, failed to make a tackle, didn’t find a teammate with one cross all night, gave away the ball in the build-up to Espanyol winning a penalty and was hooked before the hour mark with Wolves 2-1 down.
Spot on. Jonny in particular, Vinagre just can't be relied on defensively at the moment.
— Ian H (@WolfieOnTees) February 27, 2020
Funny how it's true yet nobody wants to see it. Another poor game from vinagre too
— StevenC (@SteC9911) February 27, 2020
Vinagre in your bio. Cost us a goal and dropped a stinker
— Jack 🏴 (@wwfcjack5) February 27, 2020
Vinagre also infuriating. Actually thought he was having a decent game until giving the ball away stupidly, leading to Espanyol penalty. Still too inconsistent and miles off Jonny's levels.#wwfc
— Paddy Day (@paddyday90) February 27, 2020
Jonny was a huge miss tonight. Maybe Vinagre came back too soon, but he's just not good enough defensively at the moment.
— Ian H (@WolfieOnTees) February 27, 2020
Against Espanyol, Vinagre had four successful dribbles, played for 57 minutes, had 39 touches, completed 35.7% of his 14 passes, had one shot which was off-target, whipped in one cross which was inaccurate, failed to find a teammate from his three long balls, made one interception and gave away one foul.
The 20-year-old has made 25 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring two goals. He didn’t shower himself in glory on Thursday night but may have to keep his place at left-back if Jonny Otto doesn’t return from injury.
How far will Wolves go in the Europa League?
Final
Semi-final
Quarter-final
No further than the round of 16
