Wolverhampton Wanderers’ pre-season friendly defeat to revitalised Derby County at the weekend has left some fans hoping Nuno Espirito Santo doesn’t experiment further by putting one man in the backline.
Losing the game at Pride Park 2-1, Frank Lampard has certainly had an effect on the Rams this summer since being installed as their manager, but there were positives for Wolves to take from the game. Diogo Jota found himself amongst the goals again and we saw debuts for summer signings Jonny Otto and Joao Moutinho as they continue to settle in.
In the aftermath of the game as fans pulled the performance apart on social media, there weren’t any wild complaints or worries ahead of the coming Premier League campaign in 2018/19, but a number of fans voiced their concern at seeing Romain Saiss fill in amongst the defensive unit again.
He should very much stick to midfield and the 28-year-old should continue building his partnership with Ruben Neves moving forward. Others did disagree.
The thing with playing Saiss at the back means we also lose a big header of the ball in defence like last year will be even more suspsect at set pieces. #wwfc
— Simmo (@simbawolf7) July 28, 2018
Saiss at RCB put me on edge #wwfc
— karl (@KarlLove_) July 28, 2018
Thought the neves saiss partnership worked quite well in midfield #wwfc
— Adrian (@Sandhurstwolf) July 28, 2018
@BurrowsMikey Hi mikey, why are some people saying Saïss don’t look convincing at RCB? Been good today and being dragged down by the poor performances from Coady and Doc?
— Jonny (@CalWWFC) July 28, 2018
Disappointing performance. Couldn't deal with Derby's press and went long far too often. Like the look of Jiminez, however, some really good link up play. Seems to have more confidence than Bonatini. I also thought Saiss slotted in nicely at the back. #wwfc
— Paddy Day (@paddyday90) July 28, 2018
Few additions missing. Goal scorer needed greatly. Bonatini still no confidence and Jimenez will take a while to get up to speed with the English game. Also a cb needed, said it days ago, I believe saiss will be a massive weak link #wwfc
— Louis Webb (@_webbz) July 28, 2018
Hope there's still a few players to come in not feeling confident with saiss and coady at the back #wwfc
— Michael (@mikeywwfc86) July 28, 2018
If I were to be greedy I would say another CB but I doubt that will happen because of Saiss being converted. #wwfc
— Wolves Transfers and Gossip (@wolves_gossip) July 28, 2018
After being at yesterday’s game Nuno must have a plan for a LWB. Whether that be a new signing or Vinagre when he’s back. Few decent touches by Jonny Otto and looks ok defensively but hasn’t got a left foot? Also not the biggest fan of Saiss at RCB. #WWFC
— emilio dicesare (@DicesareEmilio) July 29, 2018