Rob Edwards cannot snub Wolves player once again vs Aston Villa after resurgence under Vitor Pereira

Rob Edwards has some big choices to make ahead of Sunday’s West Midlands derby, and selecting his starting XI is perhaps the biggest.

There are many players vying for a start, and there are others who should simply be nowhere near the line-up come the first whistle.

Unai Emery is not resting on his laurels vs Wolves, despite the contrasting positions both clubs find themselves in.

Anything can happen in a derby…

Since Wolves and Aston Villa have been back in the Premier League (2019), Wolves have won six of their 12 games against the Villans (50%).

And with Emery wary of the Old Gold’s threat in a fixture like this, that means it is imperative Rob Edwards gets his decisions right.

One of those should be to start Santiago Bueno.

Santiago Bueno was one of Wolves’ better players under Vitor Pereira

Under Vitor Pereira, Santiago Bueno was reviving his career at Molineux.

After originally falling out of the manager’s plans, his performances in the Carabao Cup forced the Portuguese to consider him for the Premier League.

Shortly before Pereira was sacked, Bueno was leading the Premier League in interceptions and tackles. Even still now, he is one of the more active defenders when he plays, and he does it to a high level.

Statistics show (via Data.MB) that Santiago Bueno is involved in more defensive duels per 90 (7.5) than any other Premier League player.

It looks like a change of formation for Wolves vs Aston Villa🤔

“Tolu will need a bit more time as he’s not had as many minutes, but he’s up for it and working hard. Jorgen is fit and feels good.”

Rob Edwards ahead of Aston Villa

And Wolves need that kind of heart and aggression right now.

In fact, the next player who has played over 500 minutes to come close is Bournemouth’s Marco Senesi (6.08).

While the stat shows the Uruguayan is active defensively, his win rate of 77.42% shows he is not just getting involved in battles for no reason.

He is winning his individual battles more often than not and is third in the Premier League for possessions won per 90.

• READ MORE: Gabby Agbonlahor will surprise a few with his Wolves verdict against Aston Villa

Rob Edwards must start Santiago Bueno vs Aston Villa

At Molineux News, we have predicted Santiago Bueno to be benched, but that is only how we think Edwards will line up.

However, in terms of who should play, the 27-year-old should certainly be in the head coach’s thoughts.

He has proven himself to be a valuable, experienced, and trustworthy defender, and letting go of that momentum he found under the previous manager would be a mistake.

The Old Gold do not have many players who are improving on their performances from last year, but Bueno is one of them, and that should be rewarded.

Additionally, his goal against Spurs was a rare moment of joy for the Wanderers this season, and perhaps he could deliver another.