The Wolverhampton Wanderers deserve to be in the position that they are in the Premier League. Sitting seventh in the table, Wolves have been touted as the “best of the rest,” so to speak.
With an adaptable and tactically astute manager, dynamic players and an important financial backing, Wolves are an example of a promotion success story.
Last season, Wolves took the Championship by storm, winning the league and gaining automatic promotion to the Premier League. Nuno Espirito Santo was appointed manager of Wolves that season and quickly saw results come good.
Fosun International’s ownership of the club allowed for hefty investments into the squad, bringing in the likes of Leo Bonatini, Diogo Jota, Ruben Neves and Helder Costa into the team.
The Portuguese connection between Santo and super agent Jorge Mendes allowed Fosun to bring in talented Portuguese talent that not only could quickly fit and adapt to the team mold, but last in England.
Promoted Championship sides tend to struggle in the first few seasons of Premier League play, if they can last that long. Money has to be spent, and with Fosun backing big money moves and faith in Espirito Santo, Wolves have had little trouble adjusting to Premier League life.
With an attack-minded 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formation, Wolves frequently dominated teams in the Championship and deservedly made their way back into the top tier.
Not much changed tactically for Nuno this season, but he as well as the club itself made quick work of stellar deals in the transfer window this past summer. Namely: Raul Jimenez, Jonny, Willy Boly and Rui Patricio.
Jimenez has been absolutely mercurial for Wolves this season, scoring 15 goals and assisting eight in all competitions. Jonny has been a dependable wingback, quickly getting up and down the touchline. Willy Boly has earned his permanent move being a constant presence at the back. Rui Patricio brings experience between the posts.
With the bolstering of the squad and Nuno’s focus on tactical prowess and adaptability, Wolves have become a sort of bogey team for many Premier League sides this season, especially for the top six.
Wolves beat Manchester United twice this season, won against Chelsea and Tottenham and drew with Manchester City. Spare a few matches that were less than ideal for Wolves like their loss to Huddersfield in November, Wolves deserve to be at least seventh place.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers deserve all the plaudits they've received recently and more. It’s not too far fetched of an idea to see Wolves playing in Europe in the near future, especially if it can pull off an FA Cup win in May.
Big credit to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The club has played its way to universal appreciation in one of the toughest leagues in the world.
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