**Jean-Ricner Bellegarde Shines as Alan Shearer Hails Wolves Star After Aston Villa Victory**
Wolves midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has earned glowing praise from Premier League legend Alan Shearer following an outstanding performance in Wolves’ crucial win over Aston Villa.
After a mixed season filled with ups and downs, Wolves finally had a week to celebrate—securing a hard-fought three points against their Midlands rivals before capping off a successful transfer deadline day. The club strengthened its squad with the arrivals of defender Nasser Djiga and midfielder Marshall Munetsi, providing Vitor Pereira with fresh options as Wolves continue their campaign.
While the buzz around Molineux has largely centered on Matheus Cunha’s dramatic contract extension—complete with an injury-time goal celebration mimicking the signing—another standout performance flew slightly under the radar. Bellegarde’s contribution, however, did not go unnoticed.
Starting in the heart of midfield, the Frenchman opened the scoring for Wolves, setting the tone for their victory. His dynamic display caught the attention of not just the coaching staff but also Alan Shearer, who included Bellegarde in his Premier League Team of the Week for matchday 24. Shearer praised the midfielder, saying, *“His best performance for Wolves, scoring the opening goal in a vital victory over Midlands rivals Aston Villa.”*
Bellegarde’s resurgence comes at a pivotal time. After facing criticism earlier in the season for inconsistent performances and limited impact, his display against Villa was a statement of intent. Pereira even admitted that Bellegarde’s performance was a “fantastic surprise,” showcasing the player’s determination to silence his doubters.
As Wolves prepare for their upcoming FA Cup clash against Blackburn Rovers, Bellegarde’s name is surely etched into Pereira’s starting lineup. This could be a defining stretch for the midfielder. With his confidence boosted, consistent performances could help him cement a regular spot in the team—something he’s struggled to achieve since joining Wolves in 2023.
If Bellegarde can maintain this level of play, he could become the creative spark Wolves have been missing in midfield. For both the player and the club, this newfound form might just be the turning point in what has been a challenging season.