Wolverhampton Wanderers had an impressive spell in Premier League a few seasons back but struggled to find their way back in the top tier of English football since relegation and became a midtable Championship outfit in recent years. Their 15th-placed league finish implies that mediocrity but a Chinese takeover and proper investments have transformed them into title favourites this term.
Wolves have registered 7 wins in 9 previous league outings and currently leading the league tally with 35 points from 16 games, two points clear of the incredible Sheffield United who only earned a Championship promotion back in summer.
The appointment of former Valencia and Porto boss Nuno Espirito Santo was unanticipated, but what surprised more has been the players they targeted and acquired back in summer despite being a second division outfit. Ruben Neves, the young sensation of Portugal, completed a surprise £15.8 million transfer from Porto that made him the most valued Wolves as well as Championship player of all time.
Neves was previously linked to Premier League big guns like Chelsea and Liverpool but his move to the Wanderers signifies how big an influence Nuno is back in his country. The gaffer overhauled his squad with a plethora of new signings but a few loan moves have majestically clicked in his favor. Diogo Jota, the young Portuguese attacking midfielder of Atletico Madrid, has been loaned in for the season who flourished under Nuno the last term in Porto.
The 20-year-old has netted 7 goals and assisted thrice in 16 league outings that have made him the most influential transfer of the 2017-18 Championship campaign. Willy Boly, the loanee from FC Porto, has been impressive in the backline but the bargain of the season has to be Brazilian Léo Bonatini who completed a shock loan move from Saudi Professional League side Al-Hilal. The hitman has hit 10 times so far in the league along with four assists and has been lethal in Wolves’ attacking third.
With his youngsters performing their level best, Nuno is content with the progress made by his team but alert of an adverse set of circumstances which Leeds United are currently going through despite a stupendous inception of the new Championship season. Nuno is sound with his philosophy, discipline, and tactics that helped him to bring back stability to the West Midlands outfit.
His ‘back three’ formation has worked fine so far and the attacking trio of Ivan Cavaleiro, Diogo Jota, and Leo Bonatini have been outrageous in front of goal. Romain Saiss and Neves are orchestrating the game from the middle of the park and the likes of Bright Enobakhare and Helder Costa are leaving impact from the bench. The defence looks pretty solid as well whereas the fullbacks, Matt Doherty and Barry Douglas are in scintillating form down the flanks.
Wolves’ rise, however, is not only due to a Chinese takeover but also lies in wise investment while recruiting in summer and the fans must be rooting for a Premier League return since their relegation back in 2012.
