Former Wolves doctor Rob Chakraverty has heaped praise on Joe Hodge for his attitude towards football.
The midfielder is currently looking to try and impress new head coach Julen Lopetegui, along with the rest of the first-team squad.
The Spaniard has started working with his new players this week.
There is a lot of work to be done, with Wolves having had a really poor start to the 2022/23 season.
The next few weeks are a chance for Lopetegui to get to get to know everyone and implement his ideas.
It is about trying to create that winning formula, and it will be fascinating to see which players he plumps for in the three games Wolves have before the January transfer window.
One man hoping to get some minutes is Hodge, who was given a few chances to play for the first-team in October.
Hodge made his debut against Chelsea, and was then handed a few more opportunities by Steve Davis.
Hodge’s rise to the first-team has been extremely impressive. He has got to this point after overcoming a double stress fracture in his back. He underwent surgery, and then joined Wolves where he was looked after by Chakraverty and his team.
Chakraverty helped Hodge eventually get back to full fitness, being careful not to rush him back.
Hodge now finds himself on the fringes of the first-team, and Chakraverty – who left the club last week – was really struck by the youngster’s mentality during his recovery period.
He said (via Wolves official): “He’s a natural. He has all the ingredients to be really, really successful. He trains with a high intensity, plays with a high intensity, and lives and breathes football every second of the day, whether that’s his prehab or recovery, as well as being on the pitch. He’s a brilliant person.”
Joe Hodge stands an amazing chance of becoming a regular in Wolves’ first-team
Talent is one thing, but young footballers must have the desire, mentality and work ethic to succeed.
By many accounts, Hodge seems to have these traits.
Chakraverty’s comments indicate that Hodge is truly dedicated to football and having a successful career in the game.
He also branded him ‘a model professional’, which is a very big compliment for such a young player.
It would be really good to see Hodge continue to get first-team chances under Lopetegui, who told the youngster on his first day at Compton that he played well in the Carabao Cup win over Leeds United.
He’s got a very good chance of doing so if he just continues on as he is.