Wolverhampton Wanderers Season Review

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Wolves stunned the Premier League last season, claiming a number of high profile scalps along the way.

Overview

Wolves enjoyed a phenomenal first season back in the Premier League. After running away with the Championship the previous year, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have seamlessly transitioned into a solid top flight side.

Finishing 7th in arguably the most competitive league in the world is a remarkable achievement for the club, who’s confident yet controlled approach has undoubtedly made them one of the most feared sides in the country.

Highs

Wolves gained a reputation as giant killers last season, beating Premier League heavyweights Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham with their counter-attacking style of play. They found a way of beating the so called ‘bigger clubs’ by soaking up pressure and then hitting them on the counter with devastating effect.

Recruitment is always key for a newly promoted side. It is important to find the right blend between brining in Premier League quality and mixing that with the core of the team that did so well in the previous year. This is something that Wolves did extremely well.

The Black Country club recruited shrewdly in the summer transfer window. Experienced Portuguese duo Rui Patricio and Joao Moutinho were signed from Sporting and Monaco respectively, whilst centre-back Willy Boly joined from Porto for around £10 million.

Forward Diogo Jota and left-back Jonny Otto were both acquired from Atletico Madrid and striker Raul Jimenez arrived from Benfica, initially on loan, before becoming the club’s record signing (£30 million) when his move was made permanent in January.

Despite the influx of stars arriving at the club, players such as Ruben Neves and Conor Coady featured heavily after playing pivotal roles in Wolves’ Championship winning side the season before. Coady astonishingly played every second of every game across all competitions for the club last season.

Wolves also managed an FA cup run, beating Liverpool and Manchester United before being knocked out in the semi-finals by Watford.

Stand out performer

Mexican striker Raul Jimenez adapted flawlessly to the Premier League in his debut season, finishing the campaign with 13 goals and 7 assists. With his intelligent approach and clinical finishing, it’s no surprise that the club were quick to make his loan deal permeant mid-way through the season.

Room for improvement?

Despite picking up so many results against top 6 sides, Wolves struggled against clubs at the bottom end of the table. If they want to continue their rapid development next season, they will need to step up against the weaker teams in the division.

Their 47 goals scored last season was only the 13th best return in the Premier League, leaving them with a goal difference of just +1. If they are to kick on next season they will need to find goals from elsewhere in the team and not rely so heavily on Jimenez.

One to watch

Morgan Gibbs-White has had a fantastic breakthrough season. Having joined Wolves when he was just 8 years old, the speedy winger has worked his way up through the academy and played a big part in the first team last season.

Featuring 26 times for the club last campaign, manager Nuno Espirito Santo clearly rates the 19-year-old very highly and Gibbs-White will be hoping he can play even more regularly next year.

Next season

Wolves will be hoping for another successful season but they will also be wary of the demands of the Premier League. They will be desperate to prove that they are not one season wonders and will be looking to cement their place amongst the country’s elite.