nick Parkes gives his player ratings for wolves v Everton
JOSE SA 8.5 & MAN OF THE MATCH
A very good outing for the under fire “keeper”. Proved that he still has the capability of being the goalkeeper he was in his season. Denied Everton multiple times including a 1 on 1 chance against Danjuma (albeit offside) and the crucial save at the back post; already on his way down, he lifted himself up to palm the ball over from a Everton chance five yards out. Not only was his shot-stopping excellent, but also his positioning for high and low crosses was superb. He punched when needed to punch, intercepted when needed to intercept. We all know he has the ability, if he can cut out the mistakes like he did today, he will help us win games.
HUGO BUENO 6.5
Found himself in some good positions down the left side, and put in some good crosses; especially the one for Silva in the second half, only to be ruled out for offside. A good attacking defender who helps Wolves get up the pitch.
CRAIG DAWSON 6
A mixed game for the centre back. Started well by making a good tackle on the edge on box but then got caught out of position twice, both to Danjuma. One was the offside 1 on 1 and the second was a great chance in the box which the Everton man wasted. He cannot afford to switch off even for a second.
MAX KILMAN 6
A relatively quiet game in terms of action. Did the basics well against a solid player in Danjuma. Made a crucial interception on the hour mark.
NELSON SEMEDO 8
The first half in particular was immense. Stood tall against the Everton attackers and won everytime. The typical inconsistency with Semedo is all too clear these first three games. But very good against Man U and now Everton show signs of progress. Great defending.
PEDRO NETO 7
A great ball in for the assist, he needs to kick on and produce more goal scoring opportunities. I do feel the assist at the end warrants a 7 but his performance overall was flat. Little pace to beat players, always looking to turn backwards. Takes too many touches when he has proved that with quick, one touch passes, he (and we) are far more likely to create chances. I hope the assist gives him confidence to be more ruthless and aggressive in his play.
JOAO GOMES 6.5
Another pitbull like performance. He gives absolutely everything for the shirt and wins balls all over the pitch. Solid performance, and with each game he is learning and building experience.
MARIO LEMINA 4.5
An overall poor performance. Cannot fault his commitment or effort but very slow and soft on the ball. Numerous times he was pushed off the ball with ease. Poor passing. Usually a solid performer so can’t read to much into it but an off day for Mario.
HWANG HEE-CHAN 4
Deserved his starting place after good cameos this season but failed to deliver in this game. Brought off at half time after a very quiet and passive 45. Unusual from Hwang as we usually are more likely to score when he’s on the pitch. Similar to Lemina, an off day but nothing to worry about.
MATHEUS CUNHA 4.5
Another player who had an off day. Cunha has looked good going forward so far this season but the size and presence of the Everton midfield snuffed out any chance of Cunha running with the ball. Failed to link up with Silva.
FABIO SILVA 4
Another poor performance from Silva. Gave the ball away lazily when Neto was through on goal early on. A nice deft touch to score from Bueno’s cross but just strayed offside. The highlight was (and again) a wasteful one on one chance where he has to do better. He is in the team for one reason, and again he hasn’t delivered.
SUBSTITUTES
AIT-NOURI 6
Came on at half-time for Hwang and was much more of a threat. His attacking intent has to be commended. Similar to Bueno, he always looks to move Wolves up the pitch and create chances for our forwards. Quick foot work and positivity are what we need more of!
PABLO SARABIA 5
Nothing to shout about when he came on but gave full commitment and effort in closing down and creating pressure high up the pitch.
SASA KALAJDZIC 7.5
What a moment for the big man! Only two minutes after coming on, he got his head onto a beautiful Neto cross to send the ball into the bottom corner of Pickford’s goal to give Wolves a crucial goal and more importantly a huge three points. After a horrid injury on his debut last year, no-one can begrudge him this moment. Incredible goal for him, his family and for Wolves.
TOTI gomes 5
Came on late on at 0-0 but helped solidify the defence and to maintain the lead and the all-important three points.
ARTICLE BY NICK PARKES
Hi, I’m Nick! Born in Wolverhampton and currently living in Barcelona. I’ve been a Wolves fan since birth (dad’s choice) and was a north bank season ticket holder in my younger days. My favourite all-time player, Bully!
I’m an English teacher by trade and when I’m not scolding teenagers in the class, I’m either running, gardening or watching cricket!