Wolverhampton Wanderers face Olympiacos this evening in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 clash. It has been 48 years since Nuno Espirito Santo’s side last reached this stage of European competition, and their Greek opponents should not be taken lightly given they knocked Arsenal out of the tournament in the previous round. The Wolves manager has to select his strongest possible starting line-up, and that simply has to include Willy Boly.
The Frenchman has taken great leaps forward after an impressive debut Premier League campaign. This term he has recorded 2.7 tackles per game, up 0.3, along with increasing his clearances per match from 4.8 to 5.6, as per WhoScored. Along with his fellow defenders, Boly has helped Wolves concede a meagre 34 Premier League goals in 29 games this term, as well as being involved in 11 clean sheets in all competitions. The 29-year-old has adapted to Premier League life seamlessly, and he must be selected this evening due to his consistent performances. His displays in the Europa League this term have been no different, having a hand in four shutouts.
Santo may be considering moving Leander Dendoncker into his centre back trio at Boly’s expense, but it would not be a wise decision. The Frenchman has double the 24-year-old’s number of interceptions per match in this seasons Europa League, 1.8, while also recording 3.8 clearances per game to Dendoncker’s average of 1.5, as per WhoScored. While the Belgian has also impressed on the continent this term, Boly has been a cut above his teammate and would give Wolves the best opportunity of winning the tie.
The 29-year-old Frenchman has already produced heroics in the Europa League this term when he scored the decisive goal to see off Besiktas in Turkey during the group stage. He won the man of the match award for nodding in the late winner that evening and his aerial presence from a set-piece could be the difference once more this evening. During his time in the Premier League, three of his four goals have been taken with his head, highlighting what a threat he can be.
In Boly, Santo has a player who can influence the game in both boxes and his presence in each of them will be required to overcome the resilient Greek opponents.
