Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry name ‘the most underrated player at Wolves’ and agree losing him triggered the club’s alarming downturn this season.

Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry do not always see eye to eye when offering Premier League analysis, but the two legends were in complete agreement during a recent broadcast as they identified the player they believe Wolves have missed most during their recent slide. In a detailed segment focusing on Wolverhampton Wanderers’ season so far, the pair highlighted a figure whose absence, they argued, has been central to the club’s worrying deterioration in form.

The discussion came against the backdrop of a campaign that began with optimism. Under new manager Rob Edwards, Wolves looked organised, energetic, and tactically clearer than in previous seasons. Early performances suggested a side ready to push away from the drop-zone battles of recent years. Yet, as autumn arrived, results began to unravel. Defensive confidence slipped, attacking transitions slowed, and Wolves suddenly found themselves struggling for stability.

Shearer, known for his direct and uncompromising assessments, was the first to indicate that Wolves’ issues were not simply about missed chances or lapses in concentration. “Wolves didn’t just lose form,” he said. “They lost a player who gave them structure. You take him out and everything looks different and not in a good way.”

Henry, sitting alongside him, immediately agreed and that in itself caught viewers’ attention. The former Arsenal forward is renowned for his tactical depth, often approaching analysis from a more structural viewpoint. “Look at how Wolves played early in the season,” Henry said. “Compact, disciplined, controlled. Then look at the period after they lost him. The difference is huge.”

At this point, neither pundit mentioned the player by name. Instead, they spent several minutes explaining why Wolves’ downturn coincided with the loss of this individual. Shearer highlighted the player’s reliability, consistency and ability to manage high-pressure moments. Henry emphasised his intelligence, noting that Wolves’ defensive transitions and wide positioning relied heavily on his decisions.

“You can replace a goal scorer,” Henry explained. “You can rotate midfielders. But when you lose someone who understands the game at that level, someone who holds the structure together, that’s much harder.”

It was only halfway through the segment that Shearer revealed the man at the centre of their discussion: Nelson Semedo.

The reaction both in the studio and among fans was immediate. Semedo has often been a steady performer rather than a headline-maker, but both pundits argued that this perception misses the point entirely.

Henry explained why Semedo’s importance is routinely underestimated. “Full-backs today are asked to do everything,” he said. “Defend one-on-one against the quickest players. Push forward to support attacks. Recover instantly. Keep perfect positioning. Semedo did all of this quietly, consistently, every week and Wolves’ system relied on it.”

Shearer added that Wolves’ right side has been visibly weaker since the Portuguese defender’s absence. “You can see teams targeting that area,” he said. “The protection isn’t the same, the recovery runs aren’t the same, and Wolves look exposed. That didn’t happen when Semedo was there.”

The pair also pointed out that Semedo’s influence extends beyond defending. His ball-carrying ability, composure under pressure and willingness to drive Wolves out of their defensive third were a key part of the team’s early-season rhythm. Without him, Wolves have struggled to escape pressure, often losing possession in dangerous zones.

Wolves supporters themselves have long understood Semedo’s importance, even if he lacks national recognition. But hearing two of the Premier League’s most prominent analysts make the case so forcefully has brought fresh attention to the defender’s role.

Henry went on to analyse Wolves’ tactical struggles since Semedo was sidelined. “They lost balance,” he said. “You can see the midfield stretching, you can see the centre-backs pulled wider, and you can see gaps appear everywhere. One player missing shouldn’t have such an impact but that tells you how important he actually is.”

Shearer echoed this assessment, adding that Wolves’ dip in form has been more structural than psychological. “People say Wolves lost confidence,” he said. “Maybe. But it’s hard to be confident when one of your most reliable players disappears from the side.”

The discussion ended with both pundits agreeing that Semedo’s return will be critical if Wolves are to steady themselves and avoid being drawn into another relegation scrap. Edwards’ side has shown promise at times this season, but without a dependable anchor on the right side, their structure has too often collapsed under pressure.

“Sometimes the most underrated players are the ones holding everything together,” Henry concluded. “And Wolves are finding that out the hard way.”

Shearer added: “Get him back, get some structure again, and Wolves will look a very different team.”

For now, Wolves can only hope the player both legends named the one whose absence reshaped their season returns quickly enough to guide them out of trouble.