Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Wolves legend Steve Bull has suggested that Leander Dendoncker is more suited to midfield than defence.
Since joining the Midlands club from Belgian outfit Anderlecht in the 2018 summer transfer window, Dendoncker has played at the back and in the middle of the park under Nuno Espirito Santo.
This season, the 25-year-old has mostly been deployed in midfield, making 14 starts there in the Premier League (per WhoScored), and Bull believes that is where he belongs in this Wolves side.
Where is Dendoncker’s best position?
Midfield
Defence
Discussing Dendoncker’s best position in an exclusive interview with FFC, the legendary Wolves striker said:
“I don’t think he’s a centre-back. He’s not slow, he just doesn’t read the game as quick as a defender should. In midfield, you have time to get the ball, turn left, turn right, to play, but when that ball’s coming into the box and the striker’s running across and you’re a midfielder, by time you’ve got your head [in the correct position], the striker has gone in front of you.
“So, to me, I’d rather play him in midfield rather than centre-half, but he’s a very good stand in. He’s a very good stand in if we need him.”
Aside from £28.8m-rated Dendoncker, Nuno has captain Conor Coady, Romain Saiss and Willy Boly to call upon when it comes to selecting central defenders for his back three. The latter, however, has had his problems with injury this season, making it little surprise that Nuno has continued to utilise Dendoncker’s versatility.
Next up for the Belgium international and Wolves is a home fixture against West Ham when the Premier League returns after the international break.