Wolves were the lowest scoring team in the Premier League last year, yet still managed to finish a respectable 13th but after a transfer window with a lot more departures than arrivals, could the Wanderers be in trouble this season?
(BBC Sport, 2023)
Who's in charge?
The club looked like they were in crisis when Julen Lopetegui left just days before their first game, however, Wolves fans can breathe a sigh of relief as they are now in the steady hands of Gary O'Neil. In a Bournemouth team that was tipped for relegation last season, O'Neil guided them to 15th in the table and had some memorable victories against the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool.
At Bournemouth, O'Neil's side could play with four or five players in defence depending on availability. At Wolves, I suspect to begin with he'll opt for five at the back. Players like Matt Doherty and Nelson Semedo are no strangers to the wing back roll and would have experienced defender behind them such as Craig Dawson and Max Kilman.
(Sky Sports, 2023)
The In's and out's
In's
Matheus Cunha - Atletico Madrid, £50m
Boubacar Traore - Metz, £11m
Matt Doherty - Atletico Madric, free
Tom King - Northampton, free
Out's
Ruben Neves - Al-Hilal, £55m
Nathan Collins - Brentford, £26.85m
Conor Coady - Leicester, £8.7m
Raul Jimenez - Fulham, £6.4m
Ryan Giles - Luton, £5.85m
Hayao Kawabe - Standard Liege, £1.5m
Matija Sarkic - Millwall, £1.4m
Ki-Jana Hoever - Stoke, loan
Luke Cundle - Plymouth, loan
Chiquinho - Stoke, loan
Louie Moulden - Rochdale, loan
(Birmingham Live, 2023)
Wolves' standout player
With Wolves' star man and captain, Ruben Neves, away to Saudi Arabia, defender Max Kilman has been given the armband. With the lack of attacking threat Wolves possess, their sturdiness at the back is what has saved them in recent years and if they want to stay in the division, this season will be no different.
Kilman has always been a steady figure at Molineux and due to his futsal background, has always been comfortable with the ball at his feet. However, the new role of skipper poses a different challenge to the 26 year old; we know he's a good player, but is he a good leader as well? If not, there's a high likelihood he and his teammates will be playing in the Championship next season.
(Express and Star, 2023)
Will it be a successful or unsuccessful season for Wolves?
When I heard the news that Lopetegui had left, like most people, I felt the worst for Wolves this season but the appointment of Gary O'Neil can give Wanderer's fans a glimpse of hope. The new boss has experience of survival with a team destined for relegation but can lightning strike twice?
It will be tight, but with the loss of Neves and no real replacement, I fear Wolves' six year stint in the top division could be coming to an end.
By Ally Gordon
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