Nathaniel Mendez-Laing reflects on Wolves rise, setbacks and Premier League bow | OneFootball

With Wolves meeting Bournemouth this weekend, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s journey gives the fixture added colour. The former Molineux winger came through at Compton Park and, after hurdles, would make his Premier League debut against the Cherries.

He made only one Wolves first-team outing, a Carling Cup tie with Swindon in August 2009, and was named man of the match. As reported by ExpressAndStar.com, at 17 years and 132 days he could not accept the sponsors’ champagne.

Drafted in amid injuries, he overcame early nerves to attack down the right, aided by senior figures such as Carl Ikeme. He did not make a Premier League squad and missed the next cup trip to Manchester United.

Nine years on he reached the top flight with Cardiff, debuting against Bournemouth and delivering 20 appearances and four goals. Now 33, the MK Dons forward is recovering from hamstring surgery and hopes to feature in the season’s closing weeks as his club push for promotion.

Raised in Birmingham, he played Saturdays and Sundays for Holy Name in Great Barr as his parents prioritised enjoyment. A Birmingham trial ended in rejection for a perceived lack of physicality, then Wolves, via Tony Lacey and Les Green, persuaded him to join the Aldersley Academy.

He credits Chris Evans, John Trollope and Kevin Thelwell, and says school issues saw him start full-time early, completing studies at the club. His career has included a ban for recreational drugs, yet resilience has underpinned repeated comebacks.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com