Express & Star

Wolves' Leander Dendoncker feels more comfortable in central role

Leander Dendoncker has played in midfield and defence since signing for Wolves last summer.

Published
Last updated

And now the Belgian has revealed which position he feels most comfortable in.

He switched from midfield to defence as Wolves fell to a 3-0 defeat at Manchester City on Monday, following Wily Boly’s sending off, so is likely to step up to the back three in the Frenchman’s absence over the next few weeks.

But he is actually more at home in the middle of the park.

When asked how he finds it at the back, Dendoncker said: “Not as comfortable as in midfield, because I’ve played most of my previous years in midfield.

“It’s where I feel comfortable, but over the last few years, I’ve also played a couple of times in defence, especially last year at Anderlecht where I played almost the whole season in defence.

“I can play in defence, but I feel more comfortable in midfield.”

Dendoncker says that towards the start of the season he was being put on the right of the back three in training matches.

Over the past month or so though, he has trained as a midfielder.

“I’ve trained in both positions,” said the 23-year-old.

“At the beginning, when I arrived, I trained mostly in defence, on the right side, and now over the last couple of weeks in midfield as well.

“You have to pay attention in both positions and try to fulfil the tasks as best as possible.

“It’s not always easy, because you have to make a switch every time.”

Dendoncker signed for Wolves from Anderlecht on a season-long loan, with Wolves having an obligation to make the move permanent this summer for £12million.

Leander Dendoncker played a full season in defence but is a midfielder at heart. (AMA)

But he could have moved to England sooner.

He did not say to which club, but a move to the Premier League was on the cards in the January transfer window of last year.

“I think it was last year, in the winter, but it never actually got to an agreement, so I stayed at Anderlecht,” said Dendoncker.

“Now, I’m here, and I’m really enjoying it.

“The level is a lot higher than Belgium. I think we have a very good group.

“The players are really supportive. We get along great. They’re all very good guys, off the pitch as well.”

Dendoncker’s start against City at the Etihad was just his second in the top flight. Analysing his and the team’s performance there, he added: “I went into defence, made the switch, and stayed focused on what we had to do.

“We had to try to stay organised and create some chances. We kept the organisation to avoid getting more goals against us.”