When Wolverhampton Wanderers signed Marshall Munetsi in the winter transfer window, many fans wondered why their owners were committing £16m to a relatively unknown 28-year-old.
However, in the two months since his arrival, Munetsi has played a crucial role in helping Wolves accumulate 13 points from seven games, with only two defeats.
Munetsi’s Impact on Wolves’ Attack
Munetsi’s influence on Wolves’ attack has been significant, particularly in his role alongside Jorgen Strand Larsen.
According to Vitor Pereira, Munetsi’s presence has opened up space for Larsen to play and attack, allowing him to thrive in the Premier League.
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Larsen’s recent hot streak, including match-winning goals against Southampton, West Ham, and Ipswich Town, can be attributed to Munetsi’s clever play.
A Different Approach to the Game
Munetsi’s style of play is distinct from his predecessor, Matheus Cunha. While Cunha is known for his goalscoring ability, Munetsi brings a more industrious approach to the game.
He is making more tackles, blocks, and winning a higher percentage of ground and aerial duels per 90 minutes than Cunha.
Munetsi’s expected XG is also higher than Cunha’s, suggesting that he has the potential to make a significant impact on Wolves’ attack.
The Importance of Work Rate
Munetsi’s work rate is one of his standout qualities.
He takes pride in his running, having raised €30,100 for his foundation by running over 300km in Ligue 1 fixtures during the 2022-23 season.
In the Premier League, Munetsi is among the top players in terms of distance covered per game, with only five players averaging more than 11.6km per game.
A New Era for Wolves
Under Vitor Pereira, Wolves have adopted a more balanced approach to the game, with an emphasis on work rate and defensive solidity.
Munetsi’s influence has been key to this transformation, and his partnership with players like Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Emmanuel Agbadou has helped to create a more cohesive unit.
As long as Wolves maintain their defensive ratio, the flair players may have to take a back seat to the industry of Munetsi, a player who has quickly become an integral part of the team.
