Analysis: Wolves halfway to the bright lights of the Premier League

Here is the assessment of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side after passing the mid-point of the campaign.

How has the manager performed?

Admirably. Nuno has more than lived up to the expectations of Wolves supporters.

He has brought the excitement back for many of the Molineux faithful as his charges have been a joy to watch.

The Portuguese came with a formation in mind – and he has firmly stuck to it.

The 3-4-3 system has been a revelation, allowing big-time recruits such as Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota to shine while bringing the best out of existing players such as Conor Coady and Matt Doherty.

Nuno is very passionate about his work – and supporters recognise and appreciate that.

He does not really like dishing out individual praise or being singled out for his excellent work, he insists the players, staff and fans are all in the promotion quest together.

And his ‘Wolves Ay We’ press-conference rallying calls have gone down a treat.

Nuno has done a top job and, on evidence to this point, you would back him to see it through and get Wolves back to the promised land.

Who’s the star player?

There are a fair few candidates for this one.

The attacking trio of Leo Bonatini, Ivan Cavaleiro and Jota have all been superb.

Bonatini – on loan from Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal – started slowly but is now Wolves’ top goalscorer, with 12.

He has also chipped in with a very respectable five assists.

Jota’s ability to glide across the pitch, weaving his way through defences with consummate ease, has been a difference-maker.

When Wolves have not been at their best, the winger has more often than not helped to clinch wins and draws with moments of sheer brilliance.

And Cavaleiro has been far more consistent this term.

He has seven goals and five assists to his name and appears much more comfortable under Nuno.

Neves has put in several silky smooth displays in the middle of the park and Romain Saiss has been a calming influence alongside him.

Barry Douglas and Doherty have been very effective as wing-backs, Willy Boly has been a rock and John Ruddy a safe pair of hands, but captain Coady has been the stand-out performer.

Transferring from central midfield to centre-half, the Liverpudlian looks like he has been a defender all his life.

And aside from an early sending off at Sheffield United, his showings have been near faultless. Always organising and encouraging those around him, Coady has led by example.

Who must do better?

Helder Costa has not reached the same heights as before he underwent ankle surgery, which kept him out for the early stages of this term.

The winger has lacked sharpness in front of goal and has been brushed off the ball too easily on too many occasions over the past couple of months.

And, because of that, he has not been starting regularly.

Signed for £13million from Benfica, Costa is an extremely talented player – we know that, and it is why it has been so frustrating to see him struggle so much. Hopefully he can recapture the form that earned him a permanent move to Molineux.

Because if he does not and Wolves go up to the Premier League, you do wonder if there will still be a place for him.

Also requiring improvement is Bright Enobakhare.

A fine young talent, but lacking a cutting edge – displayed no more so than in the Carabao Cup exit at Manchester City – he needs to brush up on his finishing to ensure he remains in Nuno’s grand plans.

What’s happening in the boardroom?

One would imagine it is filled with happy faces.

Fosun’s ‘Wolves Project’ – getting to top tier and becoming recognised all over the world – is on course to happen.

And while they will be confident in Nuno to carry out the task at hand, around £20million should be allocated for transfers next month to increase their chances of going up.

The club are keen to tie down Jota, inset above, and Bonatini on a permanent basis and also complete deals for a striker and a right-wing back. Fosun do not seem to do things by halves, they are intent on seeing out their vision.

What must be done next?

Achieve promotion, ideally as league champions.

It would be catastrophic if Wolves failed to get to the Premier League.

Overall assessment

Wolves went into the season with a lot of expectation, which they have handled superbly.

If they carry on in the same manner, they will get over the line with room to spare.

Grade: A+