2017-18 football campaign is nearing its conclusion every passing week and the clubs are desperately chasing their objectives to end the season on a high note. English Championship has been no different either and the battle for a playoff place as well as the survival race are still on and likely to be dragged until the ultimate gameweek.
The title race, however, is pretty decided already following the top of the table clash between leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers and second-placed Cardiff City. The colossal clash at Cardiff City stadium witnessed a bizarre outcome when the hosts, down by a goal, failed to convert twice from the spot in stoppage time and literally threw away the silverware. Both of them, however, are likely to secure a direct promotion this term and a return to Premier League is only a matter of time unless they fumble in remaining few fixtures.
Wolves, meanwhile, are only a few points away from ensuring a top-flight return as the summer investment has paid off for the West Midlands outfit. They, meanwhile, are currently preparing for the forthcoming campaign and targetting those who will fit in Premier League football.
The likes of Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota has been a revelation for them this season and they have made the latter’s loan move ( from Atletico Madrid) permanent as well. Nuno Espirito Santo, the Wolves boss, meanwhile, is in a quandary whether to hand Leo Bonatini a permanent deal who joined on a season-long loan from Saudi side Al-Hilal and also included an option to buy at the end of the campaign.
The 24-year-old Brazilian had a blistering start to the campaign when he scored the solitary goal against Middlesbrough on his debut and snatched all three points from the close encounter. The little-known centre-forward became an instant hit with 12 goals and 6 assists in first 20 league appearances as he and Jota took the league by storm with an incredible run.
Things, however, altered during the second-half of the season when Bonatini lost his form and composure. He is now going through a futile run without scoring or assisting in his last 18 league appearances which, subsequently, has jeopardized his Premier League dreams.
The supporters have also expressed their doubts over the Brazilian’s credibility to shine in the top tier of English football and criticised him for his lack of concentration, losing possession and misplaced passes that often dismantled the flow and ruined the moves built up by Neves, Jota, and Cavaleiro from behind or the wings. Benik Afobe, the Bournemouth striker who returned to his former club on loan in winter, has been lauded for his goal-poaching traits and physicality offered inside the box.
Bonatini has also been irregular in recent weeks as Nuno has opted to rotate him from the bench or even dropped him on a few occasions as well. He is known for his swift movements, one-twos, link-up play and tricky runs, but none of them has been reflected in his game off late. Time is running out for the young forward as he desperately needs to step up and redefine his excellence in order to earn a permanent deal at the end of the season.
