Munetsi impresses in Premier League debut, earns p...

Munetsi impresses in Premier League debut, earns praise from Wolves Legend

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

Wolverhampton Wanderers' new signing, Marshal Munetsi, has quickly made a positive impression, earning plaudits for his impactful Premier League debut against Liverpool. Despite Wolves falling 2-1 at Anfield, their second-half performance, particularly after Munetsi's introduction, offered a glimpse of promise.

Liverpool's inability to register a single shot against Wolves in the second half marked a significant defensive improvement, a feat not seen at Anfield in the Premier League since the 2003/04 season. This shift coincided with manager Vitor Pereira's halftime substitutions, bringing on Munetsi and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. Bellegarde went on to provide the assist for Matheus Cunha's goal.

Munetsi, typically a defensive midfielder, was deployed in an unfamiliar false number 9 role, replacing Goncalo Guedes. He and Bellegarde nearly combined for a goal shortly after coming on, with Munetsi's chance going astray.

Former Wolves player Andy Thompson (1986-1997), speaking on Matchday Live Extra, suggested that the second-half lineup could be the starting eleven for the next game against Bournemouth. "They looked like they had more legs than the other two," Thompson commented, referring to Munetsi and Bellegarde's impact. He acknowledged Guedes and Sarabia's struggles in the first half but emphasized the positive contributions of the substitutes. "Munetsi is on that borderline, always looks a threat running. He had a great opportunity to score again," Thompson added.

Munetsi's US$20 million deadline-day transfer from Reims set a record fee for a Zimbabwean player. His debut followed a substitute appearance in Wolves' 2-0 FA Cup win against Blackburn Rovers. Against Liverpool, Munetsi again had a clear scoring opportunity in a one-on-one situation, but Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker made a crucial save.

Former England international Micah Richards expressed surprise at Munetsi's advanced role, stating, "It's weird because Munetsi sort of played as a number nine, a false nine." However, Richards acknowledged the player's effectiveness, adding, "He was dropping in and then he was the furthest man forward. He's actually a defensive midfielder but the manager really rates him. They had more energy in that second half."