Four players who can get Wolves over the line
It’s been a marvellous season so far for Wolves with several standout players helping propel them to the top of the table.
Leo Bonatini’s goals, Barry Douglas’ assists and Diogo Jota’s, well, goals and assists have played a key part in their success to date.
But Bonatini’s goals have dried up (none since December 4), Douglas’ attacking forays have lessened and Jota has struggled to recreate his pre-Christmas form. So who will step up to the plate to help push Wolves over the promotion finishing line? We take a look at some players who may come to the fore.
Helder Costa
Between September 27 and February 3, Helder Costa made 23 appearances and scored precisely zero goals from open play, with a penalty against Leeds in November being his solitary strike.
Costa looked forlorn, shorn of confidence and lacking in any kind of creativity or spark.
He was mostly utilised from the bench, which didn’t help his obvious lack of match sharpness following ankle surgery in the summer.
But since Millwall away on Boxing Day he’s started every league game bar one and has gradually begun to look like the Costa of old. His zip is back, his confidence has returned and he suddenly looks a genuine threat when the ball is at his feet.
Two goals from open play in the past three matches have hinted he could be ready to make a big contribution in the run-in.
Morgan Gibbs-White
What an impact this teenager has made in recent weeks.
It took a few weeks for Nuno Espirito Santo to blood Gibbs-White, who won the Under-17 World Cup with England in October.
But from January onwards he’s played six times and made a positive contribution every time.
The 18-year-old has been particularly effective from the bench when stretching play with his pace and movement.
We saw against Norwich on Wednesday that he’s spatially aware, is quick to play in his team-mates and has no little skill.
He’s also hugely confident and it looks as if Nuno trusts him.
He could be Wolves’ wildcard in the coming weeks.
Ryan Bennett
The magnificent Conor Coady and imperious Willy Boly have grabbed the attention in Wolves’ generally rock-solid back line in recent months.
But since late October, when he first came into the side at the expense of captain Danny Batth, Ryan Bennett has quietly gone about his business and more than played his part in Wolves’ impressive defensive record.
In the past couple of weeks he’s stepped it up even further and on Wednesday night he was the pick of the back three against his former club Norwich.
A no-nonsense, calming presence who just gets on with his job, Bennett will need to keep up that consistency in what could be a nervy few games as Wolves edge towards the finishing line.
Like John Ruddy, his experience at winning promotion before will be crucial in helping calm the nerves of a young squad.
Benik Afobe
Four substitute appearances and no goals for Afobe so far, since his shock return from Bournemouth on loan.
Against Sheffield United and QPR he looked vibrant, hungry and a big threat, almost scoring on a couple of occasions and making himself a right nuisance.
Against Preston he got one sniff of goal but was generally quiet and then on Wednesday he just didn’t get into the game, having been starved of service he chased the ball and got nowhere.
He’s only played 97 minutes so far and needs a start before he can be properly judged.
If he gets a run, he’ll score goals – and could help get Wolves over that line.
