The academy full-back has progressed through the ranks in recent years after initially joining the old gold as a 13-year-old. On Wednesday evening, Lembikisa came off the bench for the final eight minutes as Wolves progressed into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup thanks to an 85th minute winner from Boubacar Traore against Leeds United – just three minutes after Lembikisa had entered the field of play for his senior bow.
The recently-turned 19-year-old signed his first professional contract at Molineux a year ago to the day and joins Joe Hodge and Hugo Bueno in stepping out for his debut under the stewardship of Steve Davis and James Collins.
On the feeling of making his senior debut
“I’m extremely happy right now taking it all in. It was a good experience and the atmosphere was great as well, seeing all of the fans.
“It was a night game and we got an 85th minute winner so it was crazy to be involved.”
82' | #WOL 0-0 #LEE
— Wolves (@Wolves) November 9, 2022
We make our fifth change of the evening.#WOLLEE pic.twitter.com/82bG6BmFc8
On finding out he was in the squad
“I was playing against West Ham under-21s (on Monday) and got taken off in the 53rd minute. As I was coming off, Ian Sharps said I was involved in the squad against Leeds.
“I’ve been on the bench before so I kind of know what it’s like. I said to myself that whatever happens, if I got on or not, just do what you can do.
“I was pretty excited for it. The first time I was more nervous but this time I was more excited to get on the bench and take that step.”
On his chances of coming on the pitch
“With Steve and James coming in there was a higher chance of me going on and getting some minutes. When I was sat on the bench and it was still 0-0, it seemed tight. I wasn’t really thinking they were going to risk putting me on or risk putting a youngster on at that moment.
“I saw that Jonny went down so they had to made the change. I knew in the back of my mind that I could come on, but I’d say the odds were more against me in that moment.”
On being called to come on
“When they start to call your name, straight away that’s when your heart starts to race a bit. I was warming up already and they called my name so I had to rush back into the dugout and get changed – that’s when it all goes a bit fast and you don’t really have time to think about it too much.
“I told myself to relax. Nathan (Collins) played the ball out to me on the touchline and I was thinking in my head to play forward, don’t be negative. James and Steve always tell me to take a touch forward as a right-back.”
On getting off to a good start
“I took my first touch forward and it was a decent touch. The winger tried to lunge in but I tapped it around him and played it into Hodgey. That was a good start and it gave me some confidence.”
On Traore’s late winner
“That was crazy and a beautiful moment, I’m not going to lie. Scoring late in the game meant that everyone went crazy and to be part of it and on the pitch when it happened was brilliant.
“It took a minute to really realise that this has been my dream – to play professional football. It was a special moment for sure.”
On coming up against Premier League quality
“Jack Harrison was one I was against and I think I got round him once and then Junior Firpo was the left-back, so there were some big names.
“James and Steve were helping me. When I got the good start, they were cheering me on and telling me to keep on being confident. Nathan Collins was next to me, telling me to stay tight.
“In my head I was telling myself to relax and to not do anything too dodgy – just keep it simple and see out the game. That was really important for me, to make the day perfect and see out the game.
“It was definitely a special moment. To get my first appearance and to win as well was amazing.”
Congratulations on your first team debut, Dexter Lembikisa! 👏 pic.twitter.com/ped2jtfgPl
— Wolves Academy (@WolvesAcademy) November 10, 2022
On his journey to this point
“I joined when I was around 13 years old and I’ve been here ever since. I came as a number 10 or centre midfielder and I kind of moulded into a right wing-back or right-back/left-back.
“It’s been an interesting journey and I’ve enjoyed it to be fair. It’s what I’ve waited for and what I’ve worked for, so I just wish many more can come.
“I feel like I deserve it for sure. The improvement I’ve made since scholar to pro has been a lot and I’ve had to work hard to get to that point. I think it was well-deserved to be fair.
“My mum was in the crowd and she was well pleased with me, she was happy.”
On the opportunities for academy players
“With Hugo Bueno, Joe Hodge and Chem Campbell coming through as well it’s been a good time for the academy. Props to Steve and James for giving us the chance and recognising that we’re ready to take the step.
“I don’t want to get too worried about playing, but to just focus on doing the best I can for the 21s and make some noise. I want to keep putting in consistent performances and when I’m ready to come on the pitch again for the first team and do the job, then that’ll be the time.”
