Wolves have made it through to the group stages of Europa League defeating Torino in the playoff. But their domestic form of last season has not been replicated as the West Midlands outfit are yet to win a game this term having drawn three and lost one against Everton before the international break.
Nuno Espirito Santo has not altered a ‘back three’ set-up but is lacking enough creativity in the advanced midfield slot behind Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota who are spearheading Wolves’ attack for a while now. They could have had the answer though had a £22.5m (according to Sportske Novosti) move for Dinamo Zagreb sensation Dani Olmo had not fallen through.
The Spanish youth international was also on the radar of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, AC Milan as well as his former club Barcelona following his heroics in the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship final against Germany. The Croatian outfit, however, slapped a €40m price tag for their prized asset and Olmo, having failed to secure the desired move by the deadline, did not hide his frustration and agony while speaking to Sportske Novosti.
“I have nothing to hide. I wanted to leave Dinamo, I wanted to move on and join a strong club in the big leagues. I thought this summer was the best time to leave. I think [the asking price] was too high. Realistically, it’s difficult for a player in the Croatian league to go for this price.”
Should Wolves Have Lined Up An Alternative?
Wolves were priced out in their bid to tie down the Spaniard but cashed in on making the deals permanent for Jimenez and Leander Dendoncker. They continued their spending spree on Patrick Cutrone, loaned in Jesús Vallejo from Real Madrid and roped in the likes of Pedro Neto and Bruno Jordão to bolster the squad furthermore.
However, none of their summer signings is a ‘number 10’, and the club, therefore, are lacking the creativity in the attacking third despite their efforts at executing an exciting brand of football at Molineux. Dendoncker, along with Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho and Morgan Gibbs-White are more suited in box-to-box or deep-lying roles, and the gaffer should have lined up an alternative having failed to secure the services of the 21-year-0ld.
What He Would Have Brought At Molineux
The Spain youth international is an exquisite talent known for his versatility in the attacking third. He is capable of featuring on either of the flanks but prefers to operate as a midfield attacker to depict his vision, creativity and goal-scoring attributes. He fired in 12 goals and laid on nine more last season for Modri and has started the new campaign majestically having scored as well as assisted four times in six outings.
The youngster is likely to force a move in winter and Wolves must attempt to wrap up the deal ahead of the other potential suitors.
