Wolves fans are optimistic about a stronger second half of the season following a shaky defensive record under Gary O’Neil. The team conceded far too many goals, often looking disorganized at the back in most matches.
Recognizing the urgent need for a central defender, Wolves acted by signing Emmanuel Agbadou from Reims just nine days into the January transfer window.
Agbadou, who joined last week, made his debut against Bristol City just days later. While his performance wasn’t spectacular, it was solid, and he showed promise playing on the left side of a back three.
Fans have responded positively to his presence and believe he can significantly improve the team’s defense.
Pereira Praises Agbadou’s Ball-Playing Ability
The key expectation for Agbadou is to bring stability and toughness to Wolves’ backline. With 45 goals conceded in 20 Premier League matches so far, Wolves’ defensive frailty is a major concern, and improvement is critical if they hope to avoid relegation.
Against Bristol City, Agbadou put in a steady display. However, Wolves manager Vítor Pereira highlighted another aspect of the defender’s game after the match.
Agbadou shared Pereira’s thoughts, saying:
“I’m excited, but I need to adapt myself fast.
“If I want to help the team, I need to improve quickly.
“He (Pereira) told me he needs me because I’m fast and in England you need to deal with balls behind the defence.
“He likes my quality with the ball also, and I came here to be a good defender for the team.”
Pereira also praised Agbadou’s consistency, suggesting that his ability on the ball could add an extra dimension to Wolves’ build-up play.
Agbadou’s Solid Debut
Pereira wasted no time integrating Agbadou into the squad, handing him his debut against Bristol City. The match served as a less pressurized environment for the defender to settle in ahead of Wolves’ upcoming clash against Newcastle United on Wednesday.
Agbadou showed composure at Ashton Gate, demonstrating that while left center-back isn’t his preferred position, he can still perform effectively.
According to Sofascore, Agbadou completed 63 of his 74 passes (85% accuracy) and had 87 touches—more than any other Wolves player during the game. This suggests that his teammates already have confidence in his ball-playing abilities.
That said, there is room for improvement. He occasionally gave the ball away and sometimes delayed his passes, but his attributes indicate he will adapt well to the pace and demands of English football.
Overall, Agbadou’s debut hinted at a bright future for the defender, and Wolves fans will be hoping he can help shore up their defense as they fight to climb out of the relegation zone.
