After a slow start, Wolverhampton Wanderers have rediscovered their form from last season which propelled the newly promoted side immediately into the Europa League. Since returning to Europe for the first time since the 1980/81 season, this campaign Nuno Espirito Santo has managed to find a balance which has allowed him to progress to the knockout stages of the Europa League comfortably. His side also sit sixth in the Premier League, level on points with fifth-placed Manchester United, on course to go one better than last season’s finish.
At the heart of Wolves consistency has been captain Conor Coady, despite the Portuguese revolution at the club, the Englishman has remained a defensive leader, one of the few squad members who were present before the Fosun International Group takeover. His performances at the heart of a three-man defence have aided in Wolves losing the joint second-least number of games this season. Only unbeaten Liverpool have suffered fewer losses than Wolves two defeats, which came against Chelsea and Everton in September.
While Coady offers very little in an attacking sense, having not provided an assist or having scored during his time in the Premier League, his abilities as a ball-playing centre back are outstanding. The defender has averaged over 46 passes per match with an 83.6 per cent success rate, while in Europe this season his record in possession is even better, having made more than 61 passes on average with a whopping 91.9 per cent success rate. It is a testament to how assured he is on the ball, and that calmness must transmit to his defensive partners, who know their captain is not going to gift the opposition any chances.
With an England manager who prefers his centre back’s to build from the defence, the 26-year-old who represented England from under-16 to under-20 could yet make his senior debut if he continues his fine form. But for now, Coady is one of Wolves most vital assets, and he keeps the club rooted in their English heritage while thwarting opposition strikers to help maintain one of the best defensive records in the Premier League.
