Lage may solve big Molineux dilemma by unleashing “excellent” unseen 18 y/o Wolves gem - opinion

Wolves boss Bruno Lage is currently trying to navigate a right-back dilemma, after first-choice Nelson Semedo’s recent injury potentially keeping him out until the last couple games of the season or beyond.

Meanwhile, the manager publicly criticised 20-year-old Ki-Jana Hoever for his lack of preparation last week – which Lage believes caused his most recent injury, forcing Spanish left-back Jonny Otto to fill in on the right flank.

The next most senior right-back at the club is U23’s defender Dexter Lembikisa, who is currently enjoying a solid season of development in the Premier League 2 Division 2, which Wolves currently sit in fifth after a positive run which has seen them win their last four games.

After signing his first professional contract back in November, Wolves Technical Director Scott Sellars heaped praise on the 18-year-old, saying: ““Dexter came to us as a 13-year-old but in the last 15 months, he’s really kicked on with his development.

“He has progressed really well and is now playing regularly with the under-23s.

“His performances have been excellent. Dexter has always worked really hard on all aspects of his game. It’s because of his hard work that we’ve really seen the benefits in how he’s developed.

“What he has to do now is keep working hard and keep showing that same mentality to want to learn which has got him to this point in his career. If he keeps improving every day, the rest will take care of itself.”

Lage demands a top work rate, mentality and willingness to learn in all of his training sessions from his younger players in particular – and Lembikisa has demonstrated that regularly throughout his time in the academy.

Should the Portuguese coach decide to look to his academy to bolster the