Online Reporter
VITOR Pereira has explained why he substituted midfielder Marshall Munetsi at half-time during Wolves’ draw against Everton.
Wolves signed Munetsi from Stade Reims on transfer deadline day and was one of three new players to come through the doors at Molineux.
The 28-year-old has since become influential as an attacking midfielder, coming close to scoring on numerous occasions but finally breaking his duck on Saturday night.
Munetsi scored his first goal against Everton, calmly slotting his chance past Jordan Pickford after being found superbly by Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.
But the midfielders’ night was sadly cut short when Vitor Pereira substituted him at half-time, and the Portuguese tactician has now explained why.
“He deserved the goal but it was a pity he felt something in the first half and we cannot take risks with him,” Pereira told BBC Sport.
The Wolves manager also praised Munetsi, highlighting his spirit as a positive and predicting to build on his first strike at Molineux.
“He has the spirit that I like in a player.
“He did everything to help the team and he will definitely score more goals.”
Wolves travel to Southampton in the Premier League next weekend, and hopefully, Pereira’s No.5 is fully recovered to start at St Mary’s.
A goal-scoring midfielder is hard to come by in the transfer market without paying the premium.
But Wolves paid just £16 million for Munetsi, and that is already looking like a bargain.
Physically, he’s so powerful and capable of winning battles against his opponents, while his movement and ability to sniff out chances are commendable attributes.
For most of his Wolves career so far, he’s spurned some golden chances, but on Saturday night he showed composure in the box to score and long may it continue.
Although Wolves have been reliant on Cunha, it’s refreshing to see others step up to the plate, as Munetsi is easily someone who could hit double figures for goals in a season.
Wolves moved six points clear of the Premier League relegation zone after coming from behind to draw against Everton. − Agencies/Sports Reporter
