“WOLVES FANS MAY NOT AGREE, BUT ANDRÉ DESERVES FAR MORE RESPECT THAN HE GETS!”
WOLVES FANS MAY NOT AGREE, BUT ANDRÉ DESERVES FAR MORE RESPECT THAN HE GETS!
Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters have every right to demand better from their team. After relegation from the Premier League, expectations remain high, and every disappointing result brings fresh questions about the players. However, there is one name that deserves a closer look before the criticism goes any further: André.
The Brazilian midfielder has become an important part of Wolves’ midfield, but his contribution is not always reflected in the way individual performances are judged.
ONE BAD NIGHT SHOULD NOT DEFINE A PLAYER
Wolves’ 3–1 defeat to Bolton Wanderers on 13 October was a frustrating night for everyone connected with the club. André received a mixed response in the subsequent fan ratings, with a score of five out of ten emerging as the most common grade.
It was a difficult result, and the criticism was understandable. Wolves had home advantage but failed to prevent Bolton from taking control of the match in its decisive moments.
However, judging a midfielder requires more than looking at the final score. His positioning, ball recovery, pressing, passing and ability to protect the defence all matter. A disappointing team performance should not automatically erase the value a player brings across an entire season.
THE BURNLEY PERFORMANCE TOLD A DIFFERENT STORY
Just three days after the Bolton defeat, Wolves travelled to Burnley and produced a much-needed 2–1 comeback victory.
André’s performance earned him the joint-highest share of fan ratings, with 31.5 per cent of voters awarding him seven and another 31.5 per cent giving him eight out of ten.
That response is significant. It suggests that when Wolves perform well and the midfielder’s contribution becomes more apparent, supporters are willing to recognise his quality.
The contrast between the two ratings raises an interesting question: are individual players sometimes judged too harshly when the entire team is struggling?
WHY ANDRÉ DESERVES MORE CREDIT
André’s job is not simply to score goals or produce spectacular moments. Midfielders are often responsible for winning possession, closing passing lanes, supporting the defence and helping their team move the ball forward.
These contributions can be difficult to appreciate when watching highlights or judging a player immediately after a defeat.
That does not mean André should escape criticism whenever he underperforms. Every player must be accountable, particularly at a club trying to rebuild after relegation.
But accountability should be balanced with fairness. If a player produces a poor performance, it is reasonable to say so. If he responds with a strong display, that deserves recognition too.
WOLVES NEED THEIR IMPORTANT PLAYERS TO SUCCEED
Wolves cannot afford to turn every disappointing result into a debate about which player should be blamed. The club needs consistency, confidence and contributions from across the squad if it is to achieve its ambitions in the Championship.
André has already shown that he can produce influential performances. The challenge now is maintaining that level and helping Wolves turn promising displays into regular results.
Supporters do not have to agree that he deserves more respect. They are entitled to their own opinions, and performances must ultimately speak for themselves.
However, perhaps the fairer approach is to judge André over a run of matches rather than allowing one difficult evening to define him.
So, Wolves fans, does André deserve more credit for what he brings to the team, or should he be judged more harshly when the results are not good enough?