Luke Rawlings is one of the most exciting players breaking through at Wolves right now, and he’s been praised by U18 boss Richard Walker.
Wolves have an exciting group in the academy with multiple players thought to have the potential and quality to play for the first team.
Nathan Fraser is one example of a player who’s dipped his toes into first-team football to great success, as he scored in the Carabao Cup.
17-year-old Leon Chiwome is another who is close to the first-team having impressed Wolves staff throughout 2023.
Wolves have a top five team in the U18 Premier League and are gearing up to face Manchester United in the PL Cup tomorrow.
However before that, U18 boss Richard Walker has been heaping praise onto Wolves’ youngest top prospect Luke Rawlings.
Walker praises Luke Rawlings
Speaking to club media ahead of Saturday’s PL Cup game, Walker was full of praise for 15-year-old Rawlings who’s featured for the U18s five times this season.
“If you take Luke Rawlings for example, he encounters a pre-season trip to Bratislava where he trained with the 18s in addition to some training time with the 16s.
“In the early parts of the season he then went to South Korea in a competition with an under-18s group. He has international recognition and goes away to represent his country and again, he then plays in under-18s football, under-17s football – he’s had a real mixed diet of opportunities in which he can flourish this season and be challenged.
“We’re delighted that he’s been recognised by England for his abilities and his potential, and we’re delighted for him and his family with his call-up and then earning his first cap for England. That, I’m sure, was a massive moment of pride for everyone involved.
“In terms of the under-17 Premier League Cup, he’s kind of made it his own tournament. He’s scored in every game and all three goals have been outstanding goals, real high-level individual ability that he’s displayed. He’s someone who can be really pleased with his contributions for sure.”
Rawlings is beyond his years as a midfielder
It’s not often 15-year-old’s are brought into the U18 set-up so the fact Walker has used him says a lot about his talent. He is a central midfielder who has been recognised by his country at youth level and definitely one to keep our eyes on.
He definitely won’t be getting a call into Gary O’Neil‘s squad anytime soon but if he continues at this high of a level it’s difficult to not expect him to eventually be knocking on the door.