Comment: Lack of experience could be a positive for Wolves
When Wolves took to the field to the field against Everton last week, they did so with 95 collective Premier League appearances under their belt.
In sharp contrast, their opponents had precisely 2,100 more appearances to their names.
That explains what felt like a rushed, 'un-Wolves-like' performance at Molineux. They played the occasion – and the wonderful atmosphere – rather than their game.
When else have we seen Willy Boly make careless errors, or Ruben Neves given simple passes away? They were hesitatnt, nervous and rushed in their play, particularly after Everton's opening goal.
Adrenaline got them through in what felt like a cup game at times. Their spirit and persistence earned them a creditable and encouraging draw – and now we may start to see the 'real Wolves'.
However, while experience – or lack of it – perhaps played its part last weekend, it's unlikely to hinder Wolves in the long term.
Some will tell you that a team must have Premier League experience to thrive.
But there is a freshness, a vitality, a buoyancy and a spirit about that Wolves team that transcends experience.
Neves, Diogo Jota, Helder Costa, Adama Traore, Conor Coady...the list goes on...they all want to make a name for themselves.
Expressing yourself and enjoying your football – while always protecting the team's shape without the ball – are key mantras of Nuno's and Jota et al have the perfect opportunity to thrive in the spotlight this year.
And Wolves certainly aren't short of experience in general.
Try telling Joao Moutinho – 113 caps for Portugal – and Rui Patricio, a Euro 2016 winner with more than 500 top level appearances under his belt, that they're not bringing experience to this team.
Ryan Bennett has earned 94 of Wolves' 95 historical Premier League appearances (the other went to Matt Doherty, who played in a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in Wolves' 2011/12 relegation season).
He certainly doesn't think it's an issue.
"I mean squads I’ve been in have been a lot older in previous years, there's not a lot of experience in this league but we’ve got experience of players who have played in the Champions League," he said.
"They’ve played in international levels at all ages. So I think they've got that experience but it's just building that into this league and trying to get used to it as quick as we can."
One man who epitomises Wolves' 'old head on young shoulders' mentality is Neves, who has the world at his feet and yet is just about the most level-headed guy in the squad.
Neves has spoken previously about spurning moves to big clubs in order to develop his game at a place like Wolves, having seen Portuguese compatriots make that leap too soon in their careers and then quickly finding they're not playing regular football.
Bennett says Neves has got an old head aged 21.
"He does yeah, I mean you talk to him and he's open for everyone and the things he talks about and the way he plays the game, even in training the way he comes across with his ideas and the way he explains things.
"He's very mature for his age and I think that the way that he plays as well, you can see that."
If Wolves stick to their ethos, play to their gameplan and let their ability shine through, a lack of top flight experience won't be an issue.
Yes they need to be streetwise, yes they need to get used to the pace and quality of the opposition. But stick to their guns and they can thrive.
