Bruno Lage made a number of questionable transfer decisions at Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer but perhaps none have been as harmful as letting Romain Saiss leave on a free transfer.

The experienced defender made 206 appearances for the Old Gold during a six-year spell at Molineux, contributing 15 goals and three assists in that time.

He was a regular in Lage's side last season, featuring in 31 games in the top flight, so it was something of a surprise when he was allowed to leave on a free transfer after the two parties failed to agree on a new contract.

Saiss would join Besiktas, where he has made 11 appearances in the Turkish top flight, averaging a solid 6.65 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

However, it is his displays at the World Cup with Morocco that hammers home just how big a mistake it was by Lage to let him go during the summer - a decision that surely played a big factor in him losing his job at Molineux.

The "Moroccan Maldini" has performed superbly in all three of the Atlas Lions' group games, as they spectacularly topped a group containing Belgium, Croatia and Canada to set up a round-of-16 game against Spain next week.

A goal from Saiss helped Morocco beat Belgium 2-0 last week and he was solid once again at the back as they eased past Canada on Thursday to secure top spot.

Only six players at the World Cup have averaged more clearances per game than the former Wolves man, which emphasises just how important he has been in Morocco's stellar defensive efforts, as they have shipped just one goal in the tournament thus far.

Much has been made about the lack of leaders in Wolves' dressing room following the exits of key individuals such as Saiss, Conor Coady and John Ruddy during the summer.

There is no doubt that the 32-year-old was a "leader" at Molineux and considering he is starring at the World Cup, while Coady is unlikely to feature for England, it seems clear that Wolves have massively missed having the Moroccan in their side so far this season.

Should Julen Lopetegui fail to amend Wolves' defensive issues after the World Cup break, which have played a big part in them being bottom of the Premier League, then Lage's decision to let Saiss go will look even worse.