Q&A: Is Wolves loan star Luke Cundle ready for Premier League step up?
Luke Cundle has impressed in his first loan move, but is the Wolves midfielder now ready to make the step up to the Premier League?
After making his breakthrough into the Wolves team last season, the 21-year-old earned a loan move to Championship side Swansea, where he played 34 times in all competitions.
With that experience now under his belt, we spoke to Tom Coleman, a sports writer at WalesOnline, to determine if Cundle is ready for regular top flight football.
How would you rate Cundle’s loan?
All in all, he was a real success here. I think it took him a little bit of time to really adjust to Russell Martin’s methods, but as the season went on, he really seemed to flourish. Martin’s possession-based, high-energy brand of football requires a certain type of player, and Cundle showed he was more than up for the challenge. His run of form at the end of the campaign was particularly pleasing. In his last four appearances, he earned two assists and scored two goals. He even indicated he’d be interested in coming back next season, an idea Martin certainly seemed keen on. Sadly, one suspects Martin’s move to Southampton probably means it won’t materialise.
What position has he best been utilised in for Swansea and do you think he could be better suited elsewhere?
He’s largely played the advanced central midfield role, but I think he can play a little deeper if needed, although I don’t really think he’s as strong defensively. For me, his best moments have come on the edge of the opposition box. He injected a real spark of creativity up front for the Swans at times, so I think he would probably prefer that advanced role.
