Express & Star

Leander Dendoncker eager to take his Wolves chance

Leander Dendoncker is out to cement his place in Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves team after waiting patiently for an opportunity to impress.

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The Belgium international, who Wolves are due to pay £12million for in the summer, has started the last two games.

And with Willy Boly now banned for three matches, the 23-year-old appears to be the one in line to fill the void – and he has vowed to grasp the opportunity with both hands.

“I knew there was going to be a chance to come. I got the chance and it’s up to me to show it was worth it. I just have to keep working,” said Dendoncker, who was signed in the summer but only made his Premier League debut at Tottenham last month.

“In general I’m a relaxed person. I always try to work hard, even though I don’t play.

“Mentally it’s really difficult, for any footballer it’s hard when you don’t play.

“But you try to work hard for yourself, and try to be ready for when the opportunity comes.

“That’s what I try to do, work hard in training and be ready for when I get the chance.”

When asked what he did while not being picked, Dendoncker said: “Just normal things. I don’t think I changed anything, my behaviour.

“I just worked. I didn’t speak too much, that’s how I am. I tried just to work hard. It’s not something I spoke about a lot. I tried to be normal.

“Even when I’m not playing, I still try to work as football is what I love the most. It’s my passion.

“I always try my best in training, give everything.”

If Dendoncker starts against Leicester on Saturday (12.30pm), it will be his first at Molineux in the league.

“It would be nice. Over the last few weeks I’ve played some games, so it feels really good to be part of the team, part of everything,” he added.

“I’m looking forward to keeping that going.”