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Premier League Mid-Season Report – Wolves: European Adventure Incoming?

Wolves have upped their level this season, building on the stable foundations that were set during the previous regime. European football looks a real possibility after a mid-table finish last campaign.

Season so far

Starting the season with three 1-0 defeats is never a good sign, as the new management settled in. Since then Wolves have gotten on with business and have been one of the most impressive teams in the league.

Currently eighth in the Premier League having conceded just sixteen goals so far, Wolves have improved upon an identity that was used under previous manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Goalscoring seems to be an issue for Wolves, with only nineteen scored all season. If they can start finishing their chances, then they will threaten the main establishment.

The Manager

Bruno Lage has done a brilliant job so far since arriving in England in the summer. If it were not for the impressive form of Graham Potter at Brighton and Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, then Lage would be a surefire contender for manager of the season.

Having merely adapted the style of former Wolves manager Nuno, Lage has done an excellent job with the players at his disposal. A couple of signings of his own will allow the ex-Benfica boss to really imprint his own identity on the squad.

Player of the season so far

Having recovered from a serious head injury sustained against Arsenal last season, Raul Jimenez has come back fighting, and in some way too. The Mexican has contributed to six of Wolves’ nineteen goals this season. This might be way off of his usual exceptional standard, but his attacking output always gives Wolves hope going forward. If Jimenez can finish more of his chances, then Wolves will be in pole position for a European place.

Signing of the season

When Rui Patricio departed Molineux for Rome, a massive gap in the team was in need of filling. Jose Sa has exceeded all expectations, and his importance in the team is unquestionable. When the relatively unknown Portuguese arrived in the summer from Olympiacos, there was scepticism about his suitability to the team. Eight clean sheets and sixteen goals conceded in 21 Premier League games suggests that the decision to bring him in was an inspired choice.

Most disappointing player

Adama Traore just has not kicked on since his superb 2019/20 season, with a potential move away now on the cards. The last two seasons have not been to the standard that Wolves fans expected of the lightning quick Spaniard. Traore may still dazzle with his explosive speed and superb dribbling, but his overall end product has been nonexistent. One goal in twenty games is a concern, and a January transfer to Tottenham is looking more likely with each passing day.

Grade so far: B-
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