Wolves do themselves a favour by not cashing in
Fan columnist John Lalley discuss the impact of Fer Lopez and Nasser Djiga so far.
Wolves fans will have their own views on the business conducted during the transfer-window regarding both arrivals to and departures from a club that desperately required a revitalising stimulus.
Just how astute these transactions have been will become apparent over the coming weeks.
But right now, two players who were both farmed out on loan after undistinguished starts to their Molineux careers have both returned seemingly intent on belatedly revealing the proper extent of their respective capabilities.
Understandably, Fer Lopez is the centre of attention.
Last year’s brief and diffident interlude has been replaced by a bullet-proof self-confidence with the Spaniard unveiling his full range of expressive skills that are a delight to behold.
His performance against Stoke was the best individual display by a Wolves player that I have witnessed in a long time.
Sure, this was against a mid-ranking Championship outfit but regardless of the quality of the opposition, his exceptional control, deft touch and his understanding of the games’ subtleties all earmark his vast potential.
Inevitably, Lopez will already be on the radar of clubs more powerful than Wolves.
Probably not the case presently for Nasser Djiga, who like Lopez was rapidly loaned out soon after his arrival from Red Star Belgrade.
In contrast to Lopez at Celta Vigo, Djiga endured a torrid early stint at Rangers, enduring much criticism before showing the strength of character to establish himself in Glasgow.
Browsing the online forums, the Ibrox fans recognised that Djiga’s form spiralled upwards after his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, making his permanent signing a priority.
Finance it seems prevented the transfer to Scotland and Wolves, who would likely have accepted a suitable offer, now find themselves as the beneficiary.
Similarly, had Celta Vigo laid hard cash on the table for securing Lopez, Wolves would almost certainly have acquiesced.
Djiga has impressed with his pace and composure in a Wolves defensive unit still seeking to gel convincingly.
Deliberation will continue; can he consistently sustain the level of performance he has begun?
Similar speculation regarding Lopez is less intense; he has set himself a high bar that he demonstrably has the ability to maintain.
Lopez is just 22 years old, Djiga still 23, both having the time and the potential to develop significantly further.
Wolves, maybe reluctantly didn’t cash in on these two players during the transfer window, inadvertently they appear to have done themselves a big favour.
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