In a recent interview (via The Birmingham Mail), Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Nuno Espirito Santo issued a positive update on Marcal’s recovery from injury as he said, “Fortunately players that were still here like Marcal are able to play their first sessions with the team.”
Marcal’s Recent Rise To Prominence
This latest update will be seen as a welcome bit of news for anyone associated with the West Midlands club ahead of their crucial Premier League clash versus Leeds United at Elland Road on Monday night. The 31-year-old has already made two appearances for Wolves in league football but is yet to score or assist his first goal for the club.
Marcal participated in a total of 75 matches for his previous employers Olympique Lyonnais across all competitions, picking up five assists in the process. The experienced full-back was a consistent performer for Lyon and did well to average 2.5 tackles, 2.4 interceptions, 2.2 clearances, 1.1 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the 2019-20 Ligue 1 campaign. He even distributed possession with some accuracy after completing 83.8% of his attempted passes in the French top tier last season (stats via whoscored).
As long as Marcal can stay injury-free, he would have a great chance to showcase his skills and earn a regular spot on the left side of Nuno Espirito Santo’s defence. At 31, the Brazilian sensation still has a lot of football left in him but needs to find a way to cope with the physical and emotional demands of Premier League football week in week out.
What Does The Brazilian Left-Back Offer On The Field?
Marcal has decent pace in his locker and is quite aggressive in the way he operates down the left flank. He is a solid defender at the back and can make some vital interceptions for his side. The veteran full-back is also not shy to pull off a few last-ditch clearances on the defensive end of the pitch.
The Brazilian defensive ace can even create some inviting chances to score if he can get to the by-line. However, he needs to add some goals to his game if he intends to become a success story at the Molineux Stadium.
Marcal Set To Return To Training: Big Boost For Wolves?
Marcal was sidelined for two games after injuring his calf in the 3-1 loss at the hands of Manchester City last month. The South American left-back will now have to compete with Rayan Ait-Nouri for a regular starting berth in Nuno Espirito Santo’s first XI.
At the moment, he might get the nod to start over Ait-Nouri if he can pass a late fitness test on Monday night. However, only time will tell whether Marcal can show a clean bill of health and give a good account of himself in the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign. Either way, his return to training will be a timely boost for Wolves ahead of what looks set to be a busy and gruelling period for them in English football.
