Half-season report card: Adama Traore the star pupil as Wolves march on
Read Joe Edwards' half-season report on Wolves here, as he highlights the top performer, where the side could do better, the boss's input, where to strengthen and gives an overall grade!
Top performer: Adama Traore
There are a few contenders – Joao Moutinho consistently excellent, Raul Jimenez scoring so many goals and Rui Patricio solid between the sticks – but the accolade must go to Adama Traore.
The speedy Spaniard has caused problems in every game he has played – and the turnaround in performances from last season is remarkable.
Having mainly been used off the bench last term, Traore is now a sure-fire starter. Full-backs just do not know how to deal with him, other than taking him down unfairly.
A whopping 26 different players have been booked for fouling the 23-year-old so far this campaign. Traore has scored four goals in the league – three against Manchester City, one against Tottenham. He has been incredible.
Must do better: Patrick Cutrone
Had I have been writing this piece in October, I would have said Ruben Neves. Fortunately, though, since Wolves’ switch back to 3-4-3, he has been influencing games a lot more.
Neves has been putting his quality to use in the final third, rather than playing just in front of the defence and looking for the Hollywood pass.
Summer arrival Patrick Cutrone has found goals hard to come by – but he has not had a lot of minutes either.
Wolves’ weak link this term has been Jesus Vallejo, but the defender will not get a chance to do better as he is going back to Real Madrid this month.
Manager: Nuno
Nuno Espirito Santo has come in for a lot of praise from supporters, pundits and fellow managers – and rightly so.
The Portuguese has managed to get Wolves to excel in both the Europa and Premier, with a very small squad.
Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho have both said Wolves are in the race for the top four, and Nuno’s philosophy is what has brought the club to the dance. Of course, the players have more than done their bit – but it is Nuno’s way of working they have bought into.
Where to strengthen: Defence and attack
Defence and attack – one more option in each – seem to be the areas to add to.
Wolves could do with a right-sided centre-half. Ryan Bennett has always done a fine job, and Leander Dendoncker has slotted in well from midfield.
To move up to that next level, though, getting somebody in – a more physical option – would not go amiss.
A forward option – somebody who can play out wide or through the middle – would be useful, too. Also, a midfielder – a box-to-box type who can come in for Neves or Moutinho – would be nice.
Grade: A-
What a season it has been so far! A lot of us expected a drop-off in the league with being in Europe, but they have been fantastic in both. They have completed the double over City – the reigning top-flight champions – which is amazing.
I've just gone for an A-, though, as Wolves should have topped the Europa group while there have been a few below-par performances in the league – Everton, Chelsea and Watford.
But if they get a couple more in this month and carry on in the same vein in the Europa and league, we could well be talking A+ at the end of the term.
