Wolves comment: Shape-shifting is a Nuno masterstroke

And while Wolves are not shapeless, they are definitely more fluid these days.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side can switch between 3-5-2 and 3-4-3 formations at the snap of a finger.

The former was not working against Slovan Bratislava on Thursday, so Nuno changed it at the break to the latter – and Wolves came back from behind to win. The ace up the sleeve paid dividends.

But that is not to say, because 3-5-2 did not work for those 45 minutes, it will be ditched for Newcastle tomorrow.

There is every chance Wolves could be set up in that system from the off at St James’ Park, or at least for it to be deployed at some point during the game.

This time last year, we were talking about Nuno’s charges being a bit predictable.

Premier League teams had cottoned on as to how to nullify Wolves’ threat – close down the midfield two of Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves, and refuse to give them the time to pull the strings.

But now, the opposition are racking their brains. It is so hard to predict how Wolves will be set up from one game to the next.

They have given themselves an edge in what is such a competitive environment.

Explaining the thought process behind switching between the two, rather than sticking by one formation as he has done in the past, Nuno said: “We can use (whichever formation) when we decide to.

“We’ve had good results with one shape and good results in another shape.

“Why do we change? Well, in the first half (at Slovan), we were allowing them to press us and we lacked width. That’s why we changed.

“It has to do with a lot of things, but I think it’s good to be versatile enough to change during the matches and decide which is the best.”

What also helps in that regard is the fact Wolves have several players who can play arguably just as good in different roles.

Romain Saiss could return to the back three tomorrow after scoring from midfield in Slovakia.

Diogo Jota might start, although he got sent off, and do so as a centre forward in an attacking two, or on the left of a front three.

Adama Traore could be on the right of a forward trio, or at right-wing-back.

Nuno added: “When you have a small squad like we have, it’s good to have players versatile enough to play different positions on the pitch.

“It’s a good factor that we have. Let’s try to use them.”

Of course, shifting things about has its risks. Some people may prefer continuity – a set way of thinking.

But in order to progress, you must evolve and adapt. Nuno’s side have certainly done that.