Six points off the top four with a place in the last 32 of the Europa League, the transformation at Wolves by manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been quick and outstanding.
Let’s delve at the key components of the Wolves side and their run-in for the second half of the season.
Attacking might
With 11 goals in 25 league games, Raul Jimenez has led the Wolves in their quest to gain a Champions League spot.
The 28-year-old has been a revelation since making the move to Molineux and has unsurprisingly attracted interest from other clubs.
Although Wolves have attacking midfielders such as Pedro Neto, Diogo Jota and January signing Daniel Podence they don’t have any other out-and-out strikers who could own the attack if the Mexican was injured or suspended.
Along with Jimenez, Wolves also have Adama Traore who can weigh-in with a goal. The winger has netted five times in all competitions and has also provided eight assists.
The La Masia graduate has significantly improved this season and has developed the ability to punish defenders with his pace and strength.
Traore along with Raul is crucial in Wolves’ hopes of finishing in the top four and progressing in the Champions League.
Magical Moutinho
Although Wolves have quite a few exciting players such as Pedro Neto, Diogo Jota and Ruben Neves in their ranks, yet it’s a player with the most experience who has been the star in the centre of the park this season.
Although being 33-years-old, Moutinho shows no signs of slowing down. The Portuguese international has started all but one league match this season and his experience makes him an essential part of Nuno’s side.
The midfielder has provided seven assists in all competition while also making the most tackles of any player. Further, his vision and ability to dictate the game makes it easy for others to play around him.
Nuno’s tactics
After winning the Championship during his first year in charge, Nuno guided Wolves to seventh on their return to Premier League.
This, in turn, helped them ensure Europa League football for their current campaign with his side now set to face Espanyol in the last 32.
Nuno joined a year after Fosun International’s takeover and with their backing has been able to transform the team’s fortunes.
Although the Portuguese manager has been given plenty of money to spend, signings such as Traore, Jimenez, Moutinho, Neves, and Jota have all proved to be successful.
The run-in
With 12 games left to play, Wolves are firmly in the race for a spot in the Champions League, more so after Manchester City’s suspension by UEFA.
Their fixtures against Arsenal, Sheffield United, Everton and Chelsea all come in the last six games of the season which could prove to be a crucial period.
However, the club’s chances of challenging for the top-four spot could be hampered if they progress to the latter stages of the Europa League.
Thus it would be a tough act for Nuno to balance both the competitions, a challenge that he will be relishing.
