Leander Dendonker reflects on early struggles at Wolves

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Wolverhampton Wanderers star Leander Dendoncker has opened up about his early struggles at Molineux.

The Belgian has turned things around in recent months and is now one of Nuno Espirito Santo’s most trusted players.

The World Cup semi-finalist has started the last 11 games for the Black Country club in all competitions, after being left out entirely for the first few months of the season.

Fans had wondered if Espirito Santo had perhaps regretted sanctioning his loan move from Anderlecht. That perhaps the player was struggling to adapt to English football.

Concerns grew but, since the turn of the year, Dendoncker has proven to be pivotal.

Speaking to DH, he said: “Mentally, it wasn’t easy. I had to be ready in case I was given a chance, but without rhythm, it’s difficult. When the manager gave me my chance, I took it.”

Dendoncker’s lack of involvement at Molineux saw him miss out on being selected for the last Belgium international squad, but the star revealed his focus was simply on succeeding at Wolves.

“The coach explained to me that without playing time it was difficult to take me in,” he added. “It did not stress me, I was more concerned about my club situation.”

TBR’s view

Certainly at one point it looked as though Dendoncker’s move was a pointless one.

He was kept away from the first-team for a surprisingly long time by Espirito Santo.

But him knuckling down and forcing his way into the side has arguably made Wolves an even better.

He has struck up a tasty partnership with Ruben Neves, with Joao Moutinho allowed to free roam slightly ahead of them.

He has certainly proven he is worth the £12 million Wolves will be required to pay this summer to sign him permanently (Goal).