Wolverhampton Wanderers suffered a 2-1 defeat to Watford on Wednesday afternoon and Leander Dendoncker was one of many players blasted by some supporters for his performance.
The 24-year-old has impressed as a makeshift centre-back this season, but he struggled back in midfield and was guilty of making errors leading to goals against the Hornets.
Watford took the lead in the 30th minute after Dendoncker gave the ball away to Ismaila Sarr who assisted Gerard Deulofeu.
Minutes after half-time, they doubled their advantage. Dendoncker was caught high up the pitch when Watford turned over possession and failed to catch up with Abdoulaye Doucoure who was fed the ball from Deulofeu and fired into the roof of the net.
There were far bigger culprits than Bennett today. Thought Doherty, Jimenez and Dendoncker were woeful. Nuno did have a bad game today though mate but I’m sure he’d be first to realise it. Happy New Year btw 👍🏼
— Steven Power (@Talkingbluds) January 1, 2020
Cutrone doesn’t suit the system that’s the problem, but jimenez been woeful with most of his chances, Dendoncker shocking today, there’s nothing in final third predictable we never look like creating a clear chance
— Wolves Fan / Blogger (@Daniel_Wolves1) January 1, 2020
https://twitter.com/Adam_Virgo/status/1212420599479451649?s=20
What is it with Dendoncker and Watford, they just really don’t go together do they
— Georgia (@georgia_wwfc) January 1, 2020
Wolves takeaways:
– Watford had 10 men and doubled up on Adama, but nobody else found space. Weird.
– Neto should start over Jota.
– Dendoncker hasn't got the awareness/positional sense to play as one of two CMs.
– Doherty looked leggy, he should've been subbed instead of Jonny.— Ryan Plant (@ryanplant1998) January 1, 2020
Mistake playing Dendoncker in the middle, but it’s just one game come on
— James (@_jwynny) January 1, 2020
Dendoncker should never be played in midfield again
— Sam (@samholt_) January 1, 2020
https://twitter.com/ElBarto2019/status/1212417341113417734?s=20
https://twitter.com/Gary_Poynton/status/1212417987787083776?s=20
Against Watford, the Belgian international played for 90 minutes, made 64 touches, won two aerial duels, created two chances, made one clearance, completed 86.2% of his 58 passes, made two tackles and completed one dribble.
Dendoncker has made 33 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals. The 24-year-old has spent most of the campaign alongside Conor Coady and Romain Saiss in defence, but he surprisingly looked out of sorts back in his natural role.
Wolves next face Manchester United in the FA Cup (January 4).
