elland road

Leeds 2-1 Wolves: Five Things We Learnt

by with No Comment Five Things We LearntNews

Despite an early Daniel Podence goal, Wolves fell to defeat on the opening day of the season at the hands of Leeds United.

There’s plenty of work for Bruno Lage to do following the first game of the season, however there was some positive signs for fans to hold onto.

Here are five things we learnt from the defeat at Elland Road.

Reinforcements have never been more important

With injuries to four key squad players at the moment, Wolves’ bench was threadbare with little Premier League proven talent.

Missing out on Nelson Semedo, João Moutinho, Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez would weaken any squad in the league, but the lack of options it left Wolves with is heavily concerning.

The only sub Bruno Lage was able to make was to throw on Chem Campbell with less than ten minutes left to play, replacing Hwang Hee-Chan.

Bruno’s bench contained little to no Premier League experience, with only Willy Boly and Conor Coady playing regular minutes, and the latter is expected to join Everton on a season long loan in the coming days.

This isn’t a new thing however, fans have known all summer how important reinvestments are to the success of this season, but Saturdays defeat summed up just how desperate the situation is at the club.

Goncalo Guedes is expected to join the ranks from Valencia soon, and plenty of rumours are flying about for incomings, but more is going to be required if Wolves want to have another positive year in the league.

Bruno has made it very clear how desperate he is for more signings to come through the door, and with just over three weeks to go before the deadline, business needs to get moving.

Four at the back may take some time to bed in

Following five seasons of five at the back, Bruno has insisted on a change of tactic this season, and their were some positive signs from the off.

Podence, Hee-Chan and Pedro Neto all linked up well as a front three, and all three were involved in Wolves’ only goal of the game.

Morgan Gibbs-White would find pockets of space in dangerous areas, providing Wolves with more attacking options than in previous seasons.

However, both full backs Jonny Otto and Rayan Aït-Nouri struggled for large periods of the game, as their role in the team changes massively with the formation change.

Jonny struggled to maintain possession and Aït-Nouri gave the ball away for Leeds’ equaliser, however, both were consistent performers for Wolves last year, so will quickly find their feet.

Collins and Kilman is going to be a very solid partnership

The main reason for the change in formation has been the addition of Nathan Collins, who joined the club for £20 million from Burnley, and has instantly become a starter at the back for Wolves.

Collins and his centre back partner Max Kilman looked solid throughout the majority of the Leeds game, despite this being just their first competitive game together at the back.

Both centre halves are very comfortable on the ball, and both are willing to drive with it into open space.

They got caught out a couple of times, but that is something they’ll be able to work out as the partnership grows over the next few games.

Wolves missed a focal point up top

Despite Hee-Chan, Neto and Podence providing some danger going forward, a true target man was missed up top.

Many times Wolves would send the ball forwards and it would lead straight to another Leeds attack.

Leeds centre halves were always going to outmatch Wolves in the air, but it wasn’t a challenge for them, and it made it hard for Wolves to retain any possession, allowing Leeds to build momentum in the game.

When Raul returns from injury that will give Wolves a forward they need to keep control of the ball up top, and the club are also in the market for a striker, which since loaning out Fabio Silva to Anderlecht, has been a necessity.

Leeds found plenty of space behind our midfield

Ruben Neves, Leander Dendoncker and Morgan Gibbs-White was Bruno’s first midfield three of the year, and despite all having fairly good games, Leeds managed to gain lots of space behind them, putting the back four under immense pressure.

Leeds managed to win the majority of seconds balls all game, and it resulted in many opportunities for the hosts to spring counter attacks onto Wolves, which the majority were dealt with successfully.

However, if space like that opens up for some of the top sides in the league, Wolves will be punished by their quality.

The second goal was created by Mateusz Klich finding a pocket of space in between Wolves’ defence and midfield, where he was able to carve open Wolves defence.

Neves controlled the game fantastically for Wolves, and played a lovely ball over to Neto which led to the opener, Dendoncker had a better game than recent times, and Gibbs-White looked to drive into the open spaces and create havoc for Leeds at the back.

Another midfielder should be high priority for Wolves, especially if Gibbs-White is sold to Nottingham Forest, as there are currently only four senior midfielders at the club.

Craven Cottage

The Opposition Preview: Fulham

by with No Comment NewsOpposition Preview

Wolves face Fulham on Saturday in what will be the first game at Molineux this season. We spoke with Cameron Ramsey from the Fulhamish podcast who gave us the low down on Fulham.

How has preseason gone for Fulham?

Pre-season was fairly tough as we travelled to the Algarve to take on OGC Nice, Benfica and Estoril. We beat Nice 2-0, and then also in a bizarre penalty shoot-out, but then we were spanked 5-1 by Benfica. We rounded the tour off with a 3-1 win against Estoril and a week before the season’s start, we drew 1-1 with Villarreal, which was unexpected. So, a mixed pre-season for sure and we’ve learnt a lot about what we have at our disposal.

 

Are you happy with the transfer business that’s been conducted by your club?

Unlike previous seasons, our business so far has been considered and those we’ve acquired have definitely bettered the squad. Joao Palhinha is a ridiculously solid addition, as is Andreas Pereira, and we’ve also strengthened out wide with Manor Solomon and Kevin Mbabu. We’re still fairly light defensively, although with Shane Duffy coming in on loan from Brighton and Bernd Leno joining from Arsenal, I’d say I’m thrilled.

 

What is your opinion on your manager?

Marco Silva’s worked wonders. After 18-months out of the game he’s evidently refined his philosophy and Fulham won’t change their approach for any team. He’s gotten the very best out of Mitrovic, there’s a tangible unity within the squad and on the pitch, we’re fearless. That’s all down to the gaffer, he trusts his troops and hopefully the positive results will continue to materialise.

 

What is your team’s typical formation and style of play?

We play with a flat back four opposed to a three with wingbacks, a midfield double pivot with a ten just in front, your typical wingers on each flank and big Mitro up top. So, 4-2-1-3, or however you want to categorise it, I suppose.

 

Which player do you tip to have a big season for your team?

Mitrovic. It’s an obvious choice but he has his doubters to silence and he’s did a remarkable job of hushing his critics against Liverpool. I think he’s going to smash the Premier League and he’ll bag a minimum of 15 goals.

 

How do you think you will do this season?

I think it’ll be a tough slog, of course, but I think we’ll stand up to the task. Who knows, I’d like us to finish 15th but let’s face it, abutting above the bottom three will be a success. 15/16th final position.

 

What are your thoughts on Wolves?

Bruno Lage’s spell has been patchy, but he’s definitely the right man to steady Wolves and truthfully, Wolves are a club Fulham should want to emulate. They’ve bedded themselves into the Premier League and are always striving to develop and improve. In short, I like Wolves and wish them well – just not on Saturday.

 

Who from Wolves are you worried about playing against?

Pedro Neto’s a baller, a scary one. Full-flight, getting at defenders, he’s terrifying. If he can stay fit, he’ll carry Wolves on the charge and if he shows up against us, we have to be completely switched on. He and Neves are quality.

 

Score prediction for our game?

I think it’ll be closer than people think. If we can grab another draw, 1-1 perhaps, I’ll be more than pleased. Mitro to equalise in the 85th minute after a Neves banger.

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Leeds 2-1 Wolves Player Ratings

by with No Comment NewsPlayer Ratings

Wolves fell to defeat on the opening day of the season to Leeds at Elland Road. Wolves opened the scoring with Daniel Podence’s goal in the 6th minute, however, goals from Rodrigo just before halftime and a Rayan Ait Nouri own goal, gave the home side all three points.

Jose Sa

Poor goalkeeping for the first goal, shouldn’t be beaten at the near post. Almost had a howler before halftime with him almost dribbling it into his own goal following the high Leeds press. Sa also had a lucky call when colliding with a Leeds player in the box that arguably should have been a penalty. However, in the second half, he made some great saves that kept Wolves alive in the game.

5/10

Jonny Otto

Struggled throughout the game and looked a couple of yards off the pace. Hopefully, he can blow the cobwebs off before next Saturday.

5/10

Max Kilman

For the most part of the game, he was fairly average but made some good interceptions. Demonstrated some of his futsal abilities with some dangerous dribbling on the edge of his own box.

6/10

Nathan Collins

Overall, seemed like a solid debut for the Irishman, got caught out a few times from Bamford, with one leading to Leeds’ second goal. Feels like the Kilman and Collins partnership needs some work, as the pair did struggle against the Leeds attack.

6/10

Rayan Ait Nouri

Silly play from him led to Leeds’ first goal with a failure to clear his lines. Unlucky to put the ball in his own net for Leeds’ second goal.  In the second half he looked positive going forward, with some good understanding with Neto on that left side.

4.5/10

Ruben Neves

Great ball into the lead-up of Wolves’ goal with a nice pass to Neto. Played superb passes all game and was great defensively too. Felt like he was Wolves’ man of the match today.

7.5/10

Leander Dendoncker

Huge chance missed by him at the end of the first half which would have put us ahead. For the majority of the first half he wasn’t too involved, however, in the second half he looked much better with retrieving the ball in midfield and being an effective midfield partner for Neves.

6/10

Morgan Gibbs-White

Very inactive for most parts of the first half struggling to get involved in the game. Brightened up in the second half and when he got on the ball showed promise of being dangerous.

6/10

Pedro Neto

Looked like the Neto of old and gave Leeds’ defence so many problems with his trickery and pace. Played a key role for the Wolves goal bullying Kristensen before delivering a great ball into the box. Just needed to see him on the ball more often as that is where Wolves’ spark seemed to come from.

7/10

Daniel Podence

Despite the goal, I felt like Podence for the most part of the game was quite quiet. When he was involved looked sharp and dangerous with great linkup play with fellow attackers.

6.5/10

Hwang Hee-Chan

Nice movement and a good assist for the opening goal, and almost should have scored a great goal solo too. Overall, his movement and pace did give Leeds’ defenders problems.

6.5/10

Subs

Chem Campbell

Only given 5 minutes at the end of the game and was very much thrown into the deep end.

N/A

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The Talking Wolves Team 2022/23 Predictions

by with No Comment NewsOpinion

The Talking Wolves team have put their neck on the line and have predicted what we will think in the upcoming season. Tin hats at the ready!

 

Matt Cooper

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

11th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Leander Dendoncker – he will feature more frequently if the 4-3-3 is deployed.

Hot take for the season: 

Hwang Hee Chan will score 6+ league goals

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Pedro Neto

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Daniel Podence

Three predictions for the wider league:

Brentford to finish top half, Chelsea to finish outside top 4 and Bournemouth to get less than 25 points

 

Dave Azzopardi

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

9th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Morgan Gibbs White – I think everyone knows what I think about him.

Hot take for the season: 

Max Kilman to be in the England squad for the World Cup

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Raul Jimenez

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Pedro Neto

Three predictions for the wider league:

Manchester United to finish outside top 6 ,Bournemouth to finish bottom and Wolves to finish ahead of Aston Villa

 

Fin Morris

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

12th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Rayan Ait Nouri – he’s been excellent pre season.

Hot take for the season: 

Pedro Neto will be the highest scoring number 7 in the league

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Pedro Neto

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Morgan Gibbs White

Three predictions for the wider league:

Leeds to be relegated, Sterling will score less than 7 league goals and Wolves will receive the most red cards.

 

Jordan Russell

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

12th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Nathan Collins – I wanted Wolves to sign him before the links emerged. He’s a top player.

Hot take for the season: 

Rayan Ait Nouri will win the PFA Young Player Of The Season

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Raul Jimenez

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Pedro Neto

Three predictions for the wider league:

Everton to go down, Arsenal will finish outside the top 6 and Raheem Sterling will yield 20 goal contributions in the Premier League

 

Tom Parker

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

12th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Hwang Hee Chan- in a new system it may suit him better, and with being fully settled into the squad and hopefully with injuries behind him, he could prove to be a useful player this season.

Hot take for the season: 

We will do the double over Spurs

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Raul Jimenez

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Morgan Gibbs White

Three predictions for the wider league:

Fulham to be relegated, Nunez to  outscore Haaland and Kane to win the Golden Boot

 

Ciaran Barker

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

8th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Luke Cundle – playing 3 in midfield will give him more chances, he’s too good for U23 football now.

Hot take for the season: 

Rayan Ait-Nouri will become recognised as one of the best full backs in the country

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Pedro Neto

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Rayan Ait Nouri

Three predictions for the wider league:

Spurs & Arsenal will both qualify for the Champions League, Newcastle will be no where near Europe and Brentford will be relegated

 

Billy Dobson

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

9th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Luke Cundle – his versatility across the midfield and front line will be useful this season.

Hot take for the season: 

Ait Nouri to out score Podence

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Raul Jimenez

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Pedro Neto

Three predictions for the wider league:

City to win the league again, Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea for top 4 and Everton to go down

 

Matt Grubb

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

11th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Toti Gomes – I can see him getting a run of games via injuries to others and then making the place his own for a while.

Hot take for the season: 

Wolves will take points of Liverpool this season

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Pedro Neto

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Pedro Neto

Three predictions for the wider league:

Man City will win the league, Brentford will go down & West Ham United will get top 6

 

Sam Beeken

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

12th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Hwang Hee Chan – he will thrive in a system where he can play centrally and use the area in behind to his advantage.

Hot take for the season: 

Rayan Ait Nouri wins Young Player Of The Year

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Raul Jimenez

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Daniel Podence

Three predictions for the wider league:

Eriksen will get less than 5 goal contributions all season, Kilman will be get in the England squad for the World Cup and Newcastle will finish in the bottom half

 

 

Meg Skelding

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

10th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Nathan Collins – I believe he will integrate into the team well and will be solid at the back.

Hot take for the season: 

If Morgan Gibbs White stays, he will be one of Wolves’ top performers this season.

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Pedro Neto

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Rayan Ait Nouri

Three predictions for the wider league:

Man City will win the league, Newcastle top 8 & West Ham United will get top 6

 

Jack Heather

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

11th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Hwang Hee-chan. I think in a Wolves side that has shown it’s ability to create chances in pre season, it’s only a matter of time before Chan starts hitting the back of the net.

Hot take for the season: 

Coady stays and plays an important role throughout the season, maybe not as the first name on the team sheet but still gets consistent minutes.

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Raul Jimenez

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Daniel Podence

Three predictions for the wider league:

Bournemouth to finish bottom, Brighton top half finish and Tottenham to finish in the top 2.

 

Sam Gollings

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

10th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Luke Cundle – With Moutinho nearly 36 there’ll be more midfield minutes on offer, Lage clearly rates Cundle and I think he’ll get plenty of opportunities to impress this season.

Hot take for the season: 

Pedro Neto will hit 20 goal contributions

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Pedro Neto

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Pedro Neto

Three predictions for the wider league:

Tottenham finish 2nd, Kane wins the golden boot and Everton to get relegated

Ian Young

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

8th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Leander Dendoncker – he will get a significant number of goals from midfield.

Hot take for the season: 

Collins struggles initially and we see Kilman/Toti a fair amount in the first half of the season

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Raul Jimenez

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Pedro Neto

Three predictions for the wider league:

Gabriel Jesus wins the golden boot, Liverpool win the league and there’s an English team in the final of every European Competition

 

Liam Kennedy

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

12th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Jonny – feel like a back four suits him perfectly – solid defensively and will provide support when needed going forward, if injuries are on his side I think it’ll be his best season in a Wolves shirt.

Hot take for the season: 

We will score five past a team in the Premier League

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Pedro Neto

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Pedro Neto

Three predictions for the wider league:

Leeds will be relegated, Chelsea will finish outside the top four and Haaland will win the Golden Boot

 

Stan Darlington

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

9th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Rayan Ait Nouri – he will have a great season and be called up to the French national team.

Hot take for the season: 

We repeat our 3-2 win over Manchester City.

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Raul Jimenez

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Pedro Neto

Three predictions for the wider league:

Villa to go down, Fulham don’t register a single clean sheet and Haaland golden boot and Haaland will win the Golden Boot

 

Noah Williams

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

11th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Yerson Mosquera – think will be an influential piece to an ever changing defensive rotation

Hot take for the season: 

Rayan Ait Nouri will win the PFA Young Player Of The Season

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Daniel Podence

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Pedro Neto

Three predictions for the wider league:

Crystal Palace will finish in the top 8, Leeds will be relegated and Chelsea will finish outside the top 4

 

Matthew Gentile

Where will Wolves finish in the Premier League this season? 

8th

Which player will have a surprisingly big impact for Wolves?

Morgan Gibbs White – he has improved and impressed while on loan, he has been given a confidence boost by Lage as he has shown him faith and given him a central role within the team.

Hot take for the season: 

Wolves to sign a striker and do the double over one of the top six.

Who will be Wolves’ top goal scorer? 

Raul Jimenez

Who will be Wolves’ top assister?

Pedro Neto

Three predictions for the wider league:

Spurs to finish in the top 4, Fulham to stop up and Kane to win the Golden Boot.

 

 

elland road

The Opposition Preview: Leeds United

by with No Comment NewsOpposition Preview

Wolves face Leeds United on the opening day of the new Premier League season. We spoke with Thomas Bradley from I’d Radebe Leeds who gave us the low down on Leeds United.

 

How has pre-season gone for Leeds?

Results wise it’s been nothing to write home about it, but from a more generic perspective, it’s been good to see a new squad and identity-forming under Jesse Marsch. 

It’s difficult to know right now if what we’ve seen in pre-season will carry through to the season, but some of our new players look like they could fit right into the intensity of the Premier League. It’s been great to see Patrick Bamford back in action too. 

 

Are you happy with the transfer business that’s been conducted by your club?

It’s difficult to judge at the moment. Most of our signings are unknown entities in the British game. However, a lot of our new signings have come from teams were there has been a winning mentality. 

If the desire and expectation to win can be transferred to the club as a whole then we should be able to avoid having a season like we did last campaign. 

 

What is your opinion on your manager?

The jury is still kind of out on Jesse Marsch, though. Which isn’t really his own fault. He came in during a tough period, but now he has to impress with his own style.

The talk seems to be from players that he is a great motivator, so hopefully, that can only be a positive thing. 

 

What is your team’s typical formation and style of play?

Marsch likes to play a high-intensity pressing style of football. He has a rule where his side will have multiple players pressing one opposition player. Gaining possession back is high on his list of priorities. 

Interestingly, he also plays with quite a narrow system. You’ll see wingers in narrow positions off the ball, and he likes to play through the middle of the pitch. 

 

Which player do you tip to have a big season for your team?

Rasmus Kristensen has all the characteristics of a player that is loved at Elland Road. He appears to be a strong character with plenty of grit, but also the ability to get forward and score goals. He’s very much a modern-day full-back. I think he’ll be a real crowd pleaser. 

 

How do you think you will do this season? 

I’m perhaps answering this question with a touch of blind optimism as the season hasn’t kicked off yet. But I’ll stick my reputation on the line and say we’ll finish 10th. 

Now, 10th doesn’t sound glamorous, but after last season I will snap your hands off for it. 

 

What are your thoughts on Wolves?

There’s always a sense of intrigue surrounding Wolves – for me at least anyway. It became an exciting project quite quickly, and I’ll never forget how they stormed the Championship. 

They appear to be very organised under the current regime and I expect them to have a decent season again. 

 

Who from Wolves are you worried about facing?

I’m a big fan of Ruben Neves. He chips in with some incredible goals, and he’s a real classy operator on the ball. If you manage to keep hold of him before the transfer window closes then he’ll certainly be the player I will keep an eye on when Wolves visit Elland Road.

I quite like Conor Coady as a player too. He’s a great leader and someone you can rely on to go into battle with. 

If Wolves frustrate us like they did last season at Elland Road, then I think he’ll have played a big part in helping Wolves shut up shop. 

 

Score prediction

I’ll stick with my blind optimism and say it will finish Leeds United 2 Wolves 1. I expect a close game, but hopefully, we will be the side that edges it.

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What we learnt from Wolves’ pre-season

by with No Comment NewsOpinion

Wolves’ second and final pre-season trip ended at the weekend with the side drawing 1-1 with Portuguese second division side Farense. This year’s pre-season has been fiery, exciting and a hopeful precursor to more attacking football at Molineux. With eight games being played and the side collecting four wins, two draws, and two losses, it’s undoubtedly been a success. We have seen fringe players stake a claim to be involved in the first team and some familiar faces reminding us that they are here to compete.

In this article, we will look at some of the insights learned over the course of the summer and how Wolves are shaping up before a testing start at Leeds this weekend. So sit back, grab a cup of tea, and relax as we relive the glimpses of Bruno Lage’s vision for the upcoming campaign.

 

Fantastic four at the back

Much has been said about Wolves’ reluctance to stray away from their trusty 3-4-3 or 5-2-3-1 formations that garnered a large amount of success over the course of the past five seasons; a call to switch to a four at the back has long been the call from fans as they are desperate to see a team full of attacking talent do what they are capable of doing – namely scoring buckets of goals and entertaining the masses around the world.

Bruno Lage has also been keen to play a more attacking and controlled style of play which would see the side make use of their technically gifted players. The signing of Nathan Collins was a welcome arrival and one that potentially signaled, finally, a change in system for Lage’s men. This was to be the case. In all but one of their friendlies (They did briefly switch to a 3-4-3 against Villarreal B) Wolves played a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3, this allowed for players such as Pedro Neto, Daniel Podence, and Morgan Gibbs-White to make use of their talents going forward and create a higher volume of chances.

The biggest concern for Wolves fans was the impact at the back. With centre-backs that had only played in a three for several years, a switch to one less man in the central areas was bound to cause issues. However, for the most part, those fears can be silenced for now. Max Kilman and Nathan Collins formed a solid partnership against Alaves, Besiktas and Sporting CP; showing of their adeptness on the ball and being intelligent in their challenges. Kilman’s solo-goal against Alaves was an excellent showing of just what our centre-backs can do. Collins had a similar ‘tekkers’ moment against Besiktas when, facing his own goal, he controlled the ball with the back of his neck and turned away from the opposition forward.

It is an experiment that has seemed to pay off, and the money spent on Collins looks to have been a wise move with the club needing someone to partner the ever-improving Kilman. Press-resistant defenders are gold dust in the modern game, and having two young and developing players within that category will benefit Wolves hugely. The switch to a four has certainly brought out the best in both, and you would hope that that form can be continued into the Premier League season. Wolves’ attacking and defensive play relies on the four at the back being successful.

The final note on this particular topic would be the improvement within central midfield. Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho looked particularly impressive in a two and it is clear to see that having more options in front of them suits their game down to a tee. If they can keep the spark between them then the midfield looks to have another lease of life.

 

Wonderful Wing-Backs

With the switch to a four, you might have expected Wolves’ wing-backs to be a bit more conservative. Bruno Lage would highly disagree.

Rayan Ait-Nouri has looked his best in Wolves colours, flying up and down the left-hand side and showing off some remarkable dribbling and ball retention to help drive Wolves up the pitch. His energy has been clear to see and Lage has consistently started him despite Bueno also showing great promise. Not only has the Frenchman shown excellent ability on the ball, his defensive nous is also a weapon that he has improved within his arsenal. He was rarely beaten one-on-one and consistently won the ball back well to begin his driving runs. A huge season ahead for him.

Jonny went a little under the radar but he was also a consistent performer. His delightful cross for Daniel Podence’s goal against Alaves shows his improvement going forward and defensively he was as sound as ever. The consummate 7/10 performer every game. Him and Semedo will provide excellent options at right-back.

The types of runs both players have made, similar to Joao Cancelo at Manchester City, created overloads on either side and this is where Wolves pressing high has really reaped its rewards. Yet again the wing-backs will be key in creating chances, and with the stamina shown so far, it is safe to say we have options up for the job.

 

Fearsome Frontline

Prior to the frustrating injury to Raul Jimenez, Wolves’ frontline looked the best it has ever been. Gibbs-White, Neto and Jimenez all combined fantastically in the first half against Alaves and you could argue they improved even more with the introduction of the 4-2-3-1.

Neto and Gibbs-White are giving Wolves fans the excitement we have needed for the past two seasons. Both young players have come on leaps and bounds this summer and fit into Lage’s vision perfectly. Gibbs-White has shown some excellent positional intelligence and passing selection which has allowed Wolves to transition at far greater speeds and with more potency. Neto, on the other hand, has added the finishing touch to the attacking moves and was a nightmare for defenders. The Portuguese International won two penalties alongside his two goals in Spain and Portugal and looked back to his scintillating best.

The interlinking play between those two and Podence has been marvellous on the eye and just goes to show how good Wolves can be when given the right conditions to make use of their attacking talent. The lack of a striker is a huge concern as the side will need to be clinical. Gibbs-White has shown the most potency in front of goal in his career but to rely on him as the main source of goals would be a lot of pressure to put on a player who hasn’t tasted consistent Premier League football.

Plenty of promise but additions are certainly needed.

 

Rejuvenated Ronan

It’s been a strange career so far for Conor Ronan. He has been sent out on loan to a variety of teams in a variety of countries but never looked likely to break into this squad. Similarly to Gibbs-White, he saw his game time limited due to not fitting into the 3-4-3 played by Nuno. However, with Bruno changing systems he was given a surprise chance this summer to prove himself, and my word did he take it.

Ronan has provided great delivery from set-pieces, good positional intelligence and a great range of passing that has impressed many. We have all known of his considerable talent, having broken into the first team setup at 18 in Fosun’s first season, but that has not manifested at Wolves until now. His pre-season form has certainly seen him as a contender in the first team squad just months after the club were considering selling him to teams linked in Scotland.

Having two academy players playing well for the first team would certainly be fantastic for the club as they have spent heavily on young players since Fosun took over. Whether Ronan can make the step up in the Premier League is yet to be seen, but he has the chance to prove it now and in a system that plays to his strengths. One to watch for Wolves this season.

 

Dodgy Depth

By far the biggest (and maybe only) negative of Wolves’ pre-season has been the lack of depth. The club is known to prefer having a smaller squad in the name of unity and fewer complaints over game-time. However, this has resulted in the squad looking extremely thin and not good enough to cope with the intense Premier League schedule.

When playing the second team against Villareal B, Levante, and Farense it was clear to see how desperate the squad is for reinforcements. A feeling only exacerbated by Jimenez’s injury which means Wolves have zero centre-forwards at the club with Cutrone and Bonatini frozen out and looking for moves away.

The back four against Farense featured four centre-backs in Coady, Boly, Mosquera and Toti. For a club that has been in the Premier League for five years, to not have any cover at full-back is simply negligence. Huge Bueno was also forced to play in the front three when he is usually deployed at left-back.

Conor Coady and Willy Boly have also had some shaky moments against lesser opposition, and this opens up another can of worms about the quality of the depth, and not just having raw numbers. The majority of Wolves’ bench was made up of U21’s and U18’s players, something which is great for the young players, but a damning indictment of the club’s reducing recruitment. Whilst the window is not shut yet, Leeds is only a few days away and Wolves still have no-one to replace Jimenez and have the same midfield three for the fourth season in a row.

Whilst the starting eleven is full of quality, you dread to think what would happen should we suffer another major injury.

 

Conclusion

There’s been plenty of food for thought over the course of the trips to Spain and Portugal and there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the upcoming campaign. If we have learnt anything, it is that Wolves, for better or worse, will be an entertaining team to watch. A departure from an arguably stale formation could lead to the side defying the odds again and fighting for European football or fall short.

One thing that does not need teaching however, is that the fanbase will be behind them every step of the way.

 

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Wolves Rumours: 1st August

by with One Comment NewsWolves Rumours

Wolves enquire about 22 goal a season striker

Wolves have reportedly enquired about Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz according to Football League World.

The Stoke-born Chilean international scored 22 goals in the Championship last season and has attracted interest from a whole host of clubs.

It’s believed that Wolves could get Brereton Diaz for a cut-price move as the 23-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season.

The Blackburn striker could not only provide cover for Raul Jimenez’s injury but also provide valuable competition for the number 9 slot at Wolves.

 

Wolves looking to bolster attack with another South Korean

Wolves have reportedly offered €3 million for Bordeaux forward Hwang Ui-Jo according to L’equipe.

The French club found the offer insufficient and negotiations are continuing.

The South Korean international scored 11 goals in 29 starts last season – despite Bordeaux being relegated to Ligue 2.

Ui-Jo, who’s an international teammate or Hwang Hee Chan, has averaged just over a goal every three games since he joined Bordeaux from Gamba Osaka.

He has previously been deployed as a winger during his earlier years at Bordeaux but his preferred role is at centre forward. 

Despite being 6-feet-1, Hwang is no slouch and does have a good turn of pace once he gets going – which goes hand in hand with his direct style of play.

 

Wolves linked with Roma forward

Wolves reportedly hold an interest in Roma striker Eldor Shomurodov according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

It’s likely that the move would be initially a loan move with an option to buy.

Torino are also said to be interested and Bologna have said to agreed a loan with an option to buy for €9m.

Captain of the Uzbekistan national side, 6-foot-3 Shomurodov signed for Roma from Genoa in 2021 for a reported £16m but the player has struggled for minutes due to the impressive form of Tammy Abraham.

 

Ajorque a target for Wolves

Wolves are amongst a number of clubs who have watched Strasbourg forward Ludovic Ajorque according to Sky Sports News.

Everton, Leicester, West Ham, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle are also said to be monitoring the 6-foot-6 forward.

The 28-year-old scored 12 goals and got 8 assists last season.

 

Ait-Nouri being watched by Manchester City

Rayan Ait-Nouri is a player that Manchester City have reportedly scouted in their search for a new left back according to Goal.

The 21-year-old had impressed during last season and his performances have continued during pre-season.

Manchester City look to have failed in their pursuit of Brighton left back Marc Cucurella so could turn to Ait-Nouri.

Angers hold a 50 percent sell-on clause on Ait-Nouri’s next transfer but it’s understood Wolves have the option to buy the French outfit out of the clause.

With Chelsea showing an interest in Ait-Nouri too, Wolves may want to act swiftly in buying Angers out of the clause so they can maximise any revenue from the future sale of the left back.

You can keep up to date with all the Wolves transfer rumours as they happen over on the Talking Wolves Twitter.