Despite Wolverhampton Wanderers suffering a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool, a number of players came away with credit for their respective performances. Max Kilman shone at centre-back and Ruben Vinagre impressed on the left. The 20-year-old has played second-fiddle to Jonny this season but was given a rare start by Nuno Espirito Santo and didn’t let him down.
Vinagre saw more of the ball than any of his Wolves teammates, frequently took on Trent Alexander-Arnold down the left flank and whipped in a number of crosses over the 90 minutes. He showed no signs of rustiness at Anfield and may have given Nuno a lot to ponder ahead of Wolves’ trip to face Watford (January 1, 2020).
So many tremendous performances from those in gold and black. Vinagre a livewire throughout, Neto a constant menace on the front foot and Coady with an exemplary skipper's display. It is a defeat, but there is so much to be proud of. Wolves are a top-drawer team! #wwfc
— Joe Edwards (@JoeEdwards43) December 29, 2019
Ten shots apiece in the end.
Back three were absolutely outstanding, led by Coady with amazing support from Kilman and Bennett. Vinagre was unbelievable. They all gave every last ounce of energy. Moutinho and Jota completely cream crackered.
— Tim Spiers (@TimSpiers) December 29, 2019
Thought Vinagre was excellent today for Wolves. Really caused problems for TAA down the @LFC right hand side
— keith costigan (@KeithCostigan) December 29, 2019
Rúben Vinagre looks to be one to look out for in the future. Very threatening 1v1 and has a nice crossing foot. Did really solid work defensively v. Liverpool today as well. Was a threat v. City the other day too, causing Kyle Walker lots of problems. Still only 20-years-old.
— Maxi (@MaaxiAngelo) December 29, 2019
Sky have given man of the match to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
That's not how you spell Ruben Vinagre.
— Tim Spiers (@TimSpiers) December 29, 2019
Fair play to Nuno, nearly pulled off a masterstroke in his team selection. Kilman, Vinagre and Neto have proved that they are viable alternatives. Everyone should be gutted not to get at least a point but we are looking better every match.
— Steve Lees (@measlewolf) December 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/Mrhappy1998/status/1211351954477191170?s=20
Whatever happens in the last 12 mins I've immensely enjoyed this Wolves performance, especially Kilman and Vinagre giving Salah and Alexander-Arnold absolutely sod all.
They're not even in the first team.
— Tim Spiers (@TimSpiers) December 29, 2019
One thing confirmed again in the Wolves match: Ruben Vinagre, if he were a regular starter (which he deserves to be), he would undoubtedly be in Portugal's Euro 2020 squad. There isn't a better left back for Portugal than him. Got the better of the much acclaimed TAA frequently.
— Alex Gonçalves (@Aljeeves) December 29, 2019
Against Liverpool, Vinagre played a full 90 minutes, made 77 touches, won one aerial duel, completed 64.7% of his 34 passes, whipped in four crosses with 50% accuracy, made three clearances, blocked one shot and made six successful dribbles.
The Portuguese international has made 19 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring two goals. He’s racked up less than 300 minutes of Premier League but took his chance to impress with both hands against Liverpool. Whether he keeps his place against Watford remains to be seen, however.
