Dave Edwards has talked up the return of one player to Wolves’ starting XI recently.
Wolves have been much improved in the last two matches against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, and there is slightly more optimism now for the fans.
Wanderers beat Everton 2-0 in the Carabao Cup last week to set up a fourth round clash with Chelsea later this month.
And then Wolves came agonisingly close to a first Premier League win against Spurs, drawing 1-1 but playing well.
Vitor Pereira has been keen to ensure fans that Wolves will improve, having spent more time with the squad.
And for Dave Edwards, the team has looked better for the recent return of Matt Doherty.
Dave Edwards praises decision to restore Matt Doherty to Wolves’ starting XI
Wolves have been poor defensively for the most part this season.
But improvements have been made in the last couple of games, with Pereira changing the system.
Wolves have started the last two games with a back four, with Matt Doherty starting as a right-back – a position he’s not played in for quite a while.
Against Leeds United, he was left out entirely by Pereira, a decision that left many perplexed.
Andy Thompson felt leaving Doherty out was a big mistake, and plenty of fans concurred.
Edwards is a big fan of Doherty, having shared the dressing room with him of course, and has been delighted to see Doherty come back in the team.
He said on The Official Wolves Podcast: “It was good to see Matt Doherty back in the team as well.
“I think we’d missed his leadership in the games before that. We missed his calmness. There’s a lot going on, and when there’s that much pressure on you, you need someone who can handle that pressure in those moments. He doesn’t get fazed.
“I played with him for a long time. He doesn’t get fazed by pressure at all. I think him knowing Wolves and the Premier League, I think it was important for him to come back in and play and I thought he did really well. It was nice to see a version of the old Matt Doherty, up and down that right side, arriving in the box getting on the end of crosses.”
Doherty has a big part to play for Wolves this season
His years may be advancing, but Doherty remains an important player for Wolves.
His omission from the squad against Leeds was a strange one from Pereira, and one that definitely came as a surprise given how much he’s used him since he came in as manager.
Ultimately, Doc is someone who is highly respected in that dressing room, and a top professional who will drive standards. He also remains a good and versatile player, although his age means he will need rotating here and there.
Wolves don’t have too many leaders in the group any more, but he is one and needs to be in every squad ideally.