'No matter who plays' - Wolves man hails Cesar Peixoto's midfield options

Marshall Munetsi reckons Wolves have the midfield options to solve any problem they face in the Championship.

The Zimbabwe international thinks strong performances should be guaranteed no matter who boss Cesar Peixoto chooses to play in the middle of the park.

Munetsi has been favoured by the head coach, starting all but one of the club’s 12 Championship matches so far ahead of summer recruit Jordan James.

An injury to Fer Lopez saw the latter get his chance to impress in a more advanced role in Saturday’s win over Watford.

Peixoto also has Tommy Doyle and Boubacar Traore to call on.

Munetsi said: “I think we really have good combinations, no matter who plays.

“This is the message from the manager, we have to make sure that if you have 45 minutes in your legs, you’re using everything.

“Unfortunately, Fer was not ready to play. James came in, and me and Andre combined with him very well, and I think you could see the intensity when we're pressing.

“We have a really strong midfield, so no matter who plays, I think we must try to win every game.”

Munetsi reserved particular praise for Andre, who has been tasked with anchoring the midfield in Peixoto’s system.

The Brazilian played a key role on Saturday with a pinpoint, lofted pass to Kieran Trippier in the build-up to Wolves’ goal.

“That's one of his greatest qualities, he gives us a lot of stability, even when James plays, when Fer plays, we know we have the license to go forward, knowing that Andre is behind,” said Munetsi.

“Even with the goal scored, you saw how he gives the balance with the ball he played to ‘Tripps’.

“Without the ball, the manager demands a lot for him to make sure that we have that stability, especially to stop all the transitions of the opponents will be trying to play.”

Wolves sit fourth in the Championship heading toward next Saturday’s home fixture against Cardiff.

Peixoto’s men have taken seven points from five matches since the extended, three-week international break and Munetsi believes they will benefit from having a full week to prepare for the visit of the Bluebirds.

Players were given two days off following the Watford win and Munetsi said: “It's tough, and I think you can see it was very difficult with the three-week international break.

“Some of us who have to travel very far, and we had some tough games for the AFCON qualifiers.

“Having international players, it does have an impact on the players and also the manager, he tries to give us a bit of a rest. These two days that we’ll get [after Watford] will allow us to be ready for the next game.”