Following a few weeks of non-stop club footballing action, the international break has finally given us some time to conclude on how the teams have fared so far this season.
Speaking of prospects, newly promoted side, Wolves, have shown immense potential during the early stages, occupying the seventh spot in the league table. 15 points in just eight matches mean that they are only three points adrift of the Champions League spots.
Here is the strongest possible Wolves lineup so far this season.
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Defence
Rui Patricio has had a great start to the season, preserving four clean sheets in just eight matches and thus, he is the main man in between the sticks for Wolves.
Coach Nuno Espirito Santo hasn’t upset a winning combination at the back as the three-man defence of Ryan Bennett, Conor Coady and Willy Boly have played more often than not. The three of them have been consistent as well, recording a combined total of 32 interceptions, 50 attempted tackles, 61 aerial duels won and 109 clearances.
Midfield
Matt Doherty and Jonny have excelled as the wingbacks. While the latter leads in terms of interceptions (18), Doherty has won the most number of aerials battles with a whopping tally of 45. Both have appeared reliable in the wider areas of the pitch and could play key roles role in the second half of the campaign.
Wolves boast one of the most effective central midfield duos in the Premier League this season in the form of Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves in the 3-4-2-1 system.
Moutinho’s experienced coupled with his composure in midfield has helped Wolves orchestrate the midfield while the young and dynamic Ruben Neves’ has raised a lot of eyebrows with his excellent work ethic. The creative department, in particular, has been deeply influenced by the two as they have mustered a combined total of 25 key passes thus far.
Attack
The Wolves attack has been led well by Raul Jimenez, who has provided tireless service upfront since arriving from Portugal earlier in the summer. He will be supported by the attacking duo of Diogo Jota and Adama Traore, whose sheer burst of pace coupled with his counter-attack prowess helps him start ahead of Helder Costa.
Jota, on the other hand, has been quite useful, averaging over one shot, one key pass and almost three dribbles per game, making him an essential attacking outlet.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
