2019 was a landmark year in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ history, immediately establishing themselves as a top-flight force upon their return and qualifiying for Europe for the first time since 1980; though this year they have the opportunity to go one better.
Nuno Espirito Santo has guided his side to sixth in the Premier League after 29 matches, just two points shy of Manchester United in fifth. Meanwhile, Wolves are through to the Europa League last 16 meaning they have two possible routes to the Champions League, and they simply must seize one of them.
In order to sneak into the European elite, Wolves must make sure they keep this season’s breakout star fit. Adama Traore has suffered a reoccurring dislocated shoulder, which his manager admitted is a concern. The Spaniard has scored six and assisted seven in the Premier League and Europa League this term, with his rapid acceleration and strength making him a handful for any defender. Though some seem to have noticed his discomforts and he has visibly had his arm tugged against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, which has required for it to be relocated pitchside.
Santo admitted Wolves are attempting solutions that do not require surgery and keeping the speedster on the pitch has to be a top priority at this decisive stage of the season. Without his influence Wolves are left looking considerably less mobile in midfield, and that could seriously damage their chances of Champions League qualification.
While Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves are not the quickest in the engine room, the Portuguese pair have formed an incredible partnership, with the 33-year-old particularly productive, playing six Premier League assists. However, they have featured 46 and 43 times between them for Wolves this season and are at risk of being burnt out if they continue to feature in almost every match. Santo must bite the bullet and separate the pair when possible to ensure they are fresh when needed most.
Another of Santo’s players who has broken through this term is summer arrival Pedro Neto, and the 20-year-old Portuguese winger has already provided two goals and two assists in his debut Premier League campaign, as per WhoScored. He has made only seven starts in the top-flight, appearing 14 times as a substitute and must be trusted from the off more frequently. The talent is there; he just requires the game time to develop it.
Santo is on the verge of what would be a genuinely historic achievement at Molineux, and he has two gateways to securing Wolves’ first-ever Champions League campaign. Taking either one of those routes will require a careful balance of his resources, which he is currently at risk of overworking in the West Midlands.
