Other clubs are reportedly still full of admiration for Nathan Collins, despite an indifferent first season with Wolves.
That is according to Express & Star journalist Liam Keen, who was speaking about the Republic of Ireland international on the publication’s latest podcast.
Collins had had an up and down first season at Molineux.
There was real hype when he signed from Burnley last summer, with the club having been crying out for a centre-half for some time.
He arrived for around £20 million and became Max Kilman’s partner at the back as Wolves shifted to a back four.
The were some early signs of real promise with the duo.
But it started to become apparent that there was a lack of experience between them.
Julen Lopetegui came in in November and quickly determined that his backline needed a more authoritative figure.
As such, he instigated a move for Craig Dawson, who had been on the club’s radar since the summer. That particular transfer deal proved to have a hugely positive effect.
Dawson’s arrival has had a pretty big impact on Collins’ minutes at Molineux.
Despite Collins having lost prominence at Wolves, he apparently still has some admirers.
Keen said on the the Express & Star podcast: “What you can see is quite a raw ability there. He’s shown it at his previous two clubs Stoke and Burnley. What he does have off the pitch – he’s a good character in the dressing room. He’s liked among the players. He’s quite demanding of himself and those around him. He gives off leadership qualities and vibes.
“Do Wolves rate him? Very highly, yes. Other clubs, even now after the season he’s had, which has been by no means dreadful… he still has clubs now that show interest in him. Good Premier League clubs that rate him. A lot of big clubs like Nathan Collins.”
Nathan Collins will come good for Wolves, he’ll be determined to improve on his first season
Collins will come good for Wolves.
We have seen what he’s about and it’s just about getting experience with him, and furthering his development.
When he signed Wolves, he hadn’t played that much in the Premier League. In the 2021/22 season, he made just 19 Premier League appearances for Burnley.
‘Raw’ is definitely the right term with him. He does a lot of good things, but he is still – at this point in his career – prone to mistakes. Which is normal.
He will eventually become more polished. He has all the attributes to become a top centre-half and just needs to be given time.