Dion Sanderson has impressed since joining Cardiff City on loan in January and could join Wolverhampton Wanderers’ first-team next season if he can maintain such levels of consistency. The 20-year-old has only made three appearances for City, but he’s arrested their slide in the Championship and is now a regular in the starting lineup.
Sanderson has racked up 261 minutes of football for Cardiff, creating two chances, completing 68.8% of his 77 passes, winning seven aerial duels (70%), making four successful dribbles (100%), blocking three shots/passes, making eight clearances, giving away only two fouls while averaging a tackle (5) or interception (8) every 20 minutes.
The 20-year-old has been successful at right-back for Cardiff but is a natural central defender – a position Nuno Espirito Santo has been looking to strengthen all season. Wolves have Conor Coady, Willy Boly and Max Kilman in defence but have relied upon Romain Saiss and Leander Dendoncker in makeshift roles due to a lack of depth.
Could Dion Sanderson join Wolverhampton Wanderers' first-team next season?
Yes
No
Ryan Bennett’s move to Leicester City left Wolves short on cover too, so Sanderson may need to be given an opportunity next season. Nuno has been linked with Tosin Adarabioyo, but is the solution to Wolves’ centre-back woes under their nose?
Cardiff have picked up four points from Sanderson’s three appearances, conceding three goals and keeping one clean sheet. The Bluebirds currently sit ninth in the Championship with 54 points from 37 games and ended a four-game winless run on Saturday. If the 20-year-old can steer City to a playoff place, his reputation will soar.
