Jhon Arias has had a tough spell at Wolves, but things may finally be looking up for the Colombian.
After receiving much criticism throughout the season and being linked with a move away just months after arriving, fans have called for Arias to play more often in a specific role.
The future of the winger has been up in the air, as multiple clubs in Brazil have been pushing to bring him back to South America.
However, Arias has downplayed those claims, and it seems he is set to stay in the Black Country for the foreseeable future.
And now Rob Edwards has dropped a potential hint as to where he could play the Colombian moving forward, with West Ham up next.
Finish the sentence: The first player on Rob Edwards’ teamsheet vs West Ham must be _______.
Wolves can make it three wins out of three vs the Hammers 👀
Rob Edwards left impressed with Jhon Arias as a midfielder
Signed as a forward, Arias was perhaps unfairly touted as the Matheus Cunha replacement, but he has struggled to have that impact.
His performances for Fluminense in the Club World Cup had Wolves fans quite excited for his arrival, but they have so far been let down.
But against Manchester United, Arias was deployed in a new role, and’it was one in which he seemed to excel.
His head coach has been speaking about him, and it might be a nod to his future involvement.
Edwards said (via Express and Star), “Jhon is a really good footballer, and it can take time to adjust, especially to England and the Premier League.
“Playing a little bit deeper got him on the ball more, and I thought he was really, really good.”
Did Jhon Arias give his best performance in a Wolves shirt to date vs Man United? 🤔
The Colombian put in an industrious display playing as a number eight…
The assessment from the Wolves head coach could be a future hint as to where the Colombian plays moving forward.
After the performance at Old Trafford, Edwards would be wise to try a different midfield combination.
A two-man midfield of Andre and Joao Gomes does not offer the desired attacking intent needed if Wolves want to start putting wins on the board.
Jhon Arias is surprisingly good defensively
When it comes to wingers or attackers, their ability to tackle is often not one you look too deeply into, but Arias seems to be quite good at it.
The 28-year-old is not afraid to get stuck in, and against the Red Devils, he ended the game with six tackles.
In the match, only Yerson Mosquera managed more than Arias.
Additionally, no player competed in more duels than Wolves’ number ten, showing he is not afraid to put the hard yards in.
With both Arias and Mateus Mane impressing Edwards as number eights, it will be interesting to see his line-up come Saturday.
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