Unfortunately, Wolves have been painfully underachieving in English football of late, with only three triumphs to show in the whole of the 21st century. They being a couple of EFL Championship trophies and one League One accolade. After a bright start to the 2021-22 season under new manager Bruno Lage, they were once thoroughly inconsistent yet again and finished in 10th position.
But optimistic Wolves fans may think that they could finally give them a reason to be elated in the 2022-23 season and some key players could help them in this cause. We have shortlisted five such players who we feel can be catalysts for this cause. Without further ado, let’s look at them.
Portuguese wing-back Nélson Semedo is an enterprising right-back with a strong attacking acumen. He’s currently out injured but is expected to return by the start of the 2022-23 season. If he manages to remain fit, his link-up play with Pedro Neto and/or Daniel Podence could come to fruition.
Last season, in his 25 Premier League games, the wing-back managed an impressive 58 tackles with a success rate of 67%, made 52 clearances, 21 interceptions, 155 recoveries, winning 136 duels.
Head coach Lage has imposed a key tactical influence on the wingers and wing-backs. They are vital to how he likes Wolves to play, and Semedo is a crucial cog in that machinery. Once he’s back fit, he is certain to provide a lot of attacking impetus from the right and help Wolves’ cause.
Captain fantastic Conor Coady has been at the club since 2015 and has accumulated over 300 appearances. He’s been a permanent fixture in Wolves’ lineups since their promotion in the 2018-19 season.
Last season alone, he did not miss a single Premier League game for the club. He chipped in with four goals, 139 clearances, 162 recoveries and 28 interceptions. Gareth Southgate’s trusted marshal also likes to feed attackers, proof of which were his 145 accurate long balls.
If Lage sticks with his three-at-the-back system this season, Coady is bound to be the loudest voice at the back. His leadership skills have contributed heavily to the club’s recent rise.
In the second series of ’Ask Wolves’, where fans could send in their questions to key figures at the club, Lage said:
If Wolves manage to keep midfielder Ruben Neves at the club next season, it will be half the battle won for them in their European objectives. The 25-year-old Portugal international has arguably been the best player for Wolves in recent times.
His vision, all-round play and top-of-the-range passes are a delight to watch and so are his long-range screamers. Under Lage, he has more freedom than he did under previous manager, Nuno Espírito Santo. He’s has attempted more dribbles on average last season (0.8) than last season (0.3).
Impressively, Neves averages almost two interceptions per game, having made a total of 235 in his 142 Premier League appearances. He has maintained a decent tackle success of 51% in those games and has made a whopping 1055 recoveries till date.
Him, along with compatriot Joāo Moutinho often run the show at Molineux, pinging balls with utmost delicacy and ease. If Wolves are to take the next step, Neves needs to be at the heart of the project.
