Marshall Munetsi was one of three players Wolves captured during the January transfer window as Vitor Pereira bolstered his squad.
While Nasser Djiga and Emmanuel Agbadou have improved a weak defence, Marshall Munetsi was brought in to challenge one of the midfield places.
Arriving from Ligue 1 side Reims, Munetsi boasted a solid goal record, often floating forward from midfield and scoring all types of goals.
Wolves haven’t had that type of player since Ruben Neves, so fans were excited about seeing him in action, and he hasn’t disappointed.
The 28-year-old has come off the bench against Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool. Interestingly, many have spotted Munetsi being used as a striker.
Dave Edwards was impressed with Munetsi at Anfield, claiming he looked like a ‘proper striker’ with everything he does.
However, ahead of Wolves’ visit to Bournemouth on Saturday, Pereira has revealed what position the Zimbabwe star will play.
Vitor Pereira says Marshall Munetsi will play in midfield vs Bournemouth
In the absence of Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has been injured since the loss to Arsenal last month, Munetsi has played close to the striker and performed like one.
He made multiple piercing runs beyond Liverpool’s defence at the weekend and very nearly scored but his attempt was saved by Alisson.
Now Strand Larsen is ready to face Bournemouth after completing his recovery, Pereira was asked whether he’s been using Munetsi as a striker, and he had a clear answer.
The Portuguese tactician sees his new signing as more of a number eight, who uses his physicality to win the engine room battle but also has the license to get forward and dictate attacks.
Munetsi is still waiting to make his full debut for the club having come off the bench twice, though this weekend is the perfect opportunity to start him.
Pereira’s selection conundrum
Wolves may have tasted defeat against Liverpool but the performances of several players have handed Pereira a selection conundrum.
In most matches, the 56-year-old has preferred a midfield duo of Andre and Joao Gomes, who offer the perfect blend of energy, tenacity and quality.
However, the introduction of Munetsi, the form of Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and the return of Strand Larsen has given him a difficult decision.
Wolves fans think Pablo Sarabia should never play for the club again after his terrible display on Sunday, while Goncalo Guedes was disappointing, and both were hauled off at halftime for Bellegarde and Munetsi.
Pereira now has four potential options to start in central midfield but only two spots. Gomes is nailed to start in one, leaving Andre, Munetsi and Bellegarde battling for the other.
