Yerson Mosquera replacement: Could Wolverhampton Wanderers use midfielder at centre-back?

With Yerson Mosquera being ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury, could Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O’Neil turn to a midfielder to replace the centre-back?

Wolverhampton Wanderers currently find themselves in a concerning position in the Premier League standings, sitting joint bottom without a win to their name after five matches.

However, despite the disappointment of letting slip a lead to lose 3-1 at Aston Villa on Saturday, the biggest frustration was the knee injury sustained by Yerson Mosquera.

The Colombia international came out on the wrong end of a challenge with Morgan Rogers, needing to be stretchered off and since being ruled out for the remainder of 2024-25.

As well as the monumental blow of losing their first-choice centre-back, Wolves also now only have three senior options in Craig Dawson, Santiago Bueno and Toti Gomes.

Dawson is now 34 years of age and relied on Mosquera’s superior pace, Bueno has only made nine Premier League starts in nearly 13 months and Toti has already lost his place in the team this season.

Youngsters Alfie Pond and Bastien Meupiyou could also be handed opportunities, yet it is clear that head coach Gary O’Neil faces somewhat of a crisis when it comes to finding effective solutions.

Could Andre be called upon?
Given his leadership qualities, experience and height, it is plausible that O’Neil turns to captain Mario Lemina to drop into the back three of four.

As per Transfermrket, Lemina has played three club fixtures at centre-back, including once in the Premier League when he was used on the right-hand side of a back three when Fulham held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage in 2021.

Nevertheless, as highlighted by Premier League Brasil, recent arrival Andre also has experience of playing in defence, most notably in a back four.

Andre is eight centimetres shorter than Lemina, yet that did not stop him impressing for Fluminense when being deployed there in October 2023 and March 2024.

On both occasions, the Brazil international prevented the opposition scoring from open play, the only goal being scored by RB Bragantino from the penalty spot.

The other time saw Andre help Fluminense keep a clean sheet against Flamengo in the final of the Campeonato Carioca.

Who may O’Neil turn to?
Much may depend on what O’Neil views as more important. Although Lemina appears to be a more natural fit from a physical standpoint, Wolves would be losing goals going forward.

Since arriving at Molineux in January 2023, Lemina has contributed six goals and three assists from 65 appearances, as well as generally being an inspirational figure in the engine room.

Moving him back to feature alongside Dawson and one of Bueno or Toti in a back three, and using Andre alongside national team compatriot Joao Gomes in a midfield two, feels like a logical move.

Liverpool and Manchester City being two of Wolves’ next three opponents may force O’Neil’s hand. The West Midlands outfit would have too much of a flimsy look to their backline unless they switch to a three.

With Wolves having no free spots in their Premier League squad, they are unable to sign any free agents who are available, a further factor that may twist O’Neil’s arm when it comes to using Lemina or Andre in a more defensive role than they already undertake.

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