‘I personally would not’: Edwards says he actually wouldn’t start ‘excellent’ £15 million Wolves star
Former Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards says the club looks more efficient when Sasa Kalajdzic is on the pitch, but if he were Gary O’Neil, he wouldn’t start him just yet.
This season, the Austrian is yet to make a Premier League start for Wolves.
Kalajdzic is currently recovering from the devastating knee injury he suffered on his debut last season.
He’s appeared in all four of Wolves’ league games so far, coming off the bench each time.
He did, however, start the Carabao Cup game against Blackpool.
Given the seriousness of Kalajdzic’s recent injury, the Wolves must exercise caution with him.
Dave Edwards praises Sasa Kalajdzic… but he says he wouldn’t start him yet
Edwards has praised Kalajdzic in his latest Express & Star column.
The former Molineux midfielder believes the 26-year-old makes Wolves a better team.
However, given his efficiency off the bench and his current level of fitness, Edwards would not start him on a regular basis just yet.
“Wolves look more effective in front of goal when Sasa Kalajdzic is on the pitch,” he remarked, posing a problem for O’Neil.
“I’m not going to start him. I believe he is a terrific impact player at the moment, but they absolutely transform their game when he comes on.
“We saw the confusion he causes defenders at Everton and again against Palace.” They are so concerned about getting near to him that they bring in other players, as evidenced by Matheus Cunha’s goal.”
Kalajdzic should start for Wolves once his fitness is up to par
Edwards is correct – Kalajdzic has looked terrific coming off the bench and gives opposing defenders a new headache.
Obviously, he has now scored two goals off the bench, which suggests that this is the best option for him right now.
However, if Kalajdzic is fully fit, there is a reason for Wolves to start him.
Why not bring in the Austrian for the first few minutes of the game?
Pedro Neto, Matt Doherty, Pablo Sarabia, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Hugo Bueno are all excellent ball crossers for Wolves.
Perhaps more goals can be scored with Kalajdzic on the field from the start.
But, of course, that would mean Fabio Silva and/or Matheus Cunha leaving the team, and one wonders if O’Neil would be willing to risk it.
