Three things we learned from Crewe v Wolves

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Wolves’ first match of pre-season has ended in a 1-0 defeat against Crewe.

You can’t read too much into the result of a game which is primarily a runout for fitness but here is a look at three things we learned from the game…

Lage likes 4-4-2

When the first team news of the Bruno Lage era came out, it wasn’t immediately clear which formation Wolves were playing.

It could have been a 3-4-1-2, with Rayan Ait-Nouri at left wing-back, but it was actually a 4-4-2 with the new permanent signing on the left wing.

Lage preferred 4-4-2 at Benfica, but a report last month claimed he was going to use Nuno Espirito Santo’s 3-4-3 and 4-2-3-1 in his opening months.

The switch should make Wolves more open and entertaining in theory, although it’ll take time for the players to adjust to the tactical switch.

Jimenez is back

The headline news when the team dropped was that Raul Jimenez was in the starting eleven.

He played a shade over 30 minutes before being replaced by Patrick Cutrone, in what was clearly a pre-planned change.

That will give every fan and player a lift and his return to action is already clearly being managed carefully.

Nobody quite knew how long his injury recovery would take – but he looks well on the way now.

Trincao the brightest spark

Francisco Trincao also got his first outing in a Wolves shirt, on the right of the 4-4-2.

He was probably the brightest spark in the first half before being replaced at half time.

The loanee showed some smart touches to get free and the eye to pick a pass.

The understanding with his teammates will come as he gets used to them and also Lage’s style.

There were some careless touches too, which Lage will want to see smartened up against better opponents.

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