Luke Matheson has lifted the lid on the hard work he’s doing to try and make it into Wolves’ first team.
Speaking to the club’s website, he’s spoken about how he’s trying to master the right wing-back role.
Nuno Espirito Santo largely used a three-man defence with wing-backs during his time at Molineux and it was during his reign that Matheson signed from Rochdale.
Earlier this month, it was reported that new boss Bruno Lage is planning to stick with 3-4-3 – or 4-2-3-1 – during the early part of his tenure.
“The system is very unique here and different to what other clubs play, so it’s going to take time for me to absolutely nail that and get it to an absolute tee, so I can play to the best of my ability week in and week out,” he said.
“What I’ve learnt most is that right wing-back role, knowing what I can do and what I can’t do within the system and how little things are different to playing right-back.
“I’m always sprinting from one end of the pitch to the other, and if we lose the ball, I’ll always try to be the first one back to defend. I like to make my opposition worry about me going forward more than I worry about him.
“The system is completely different and unique to anything I’ve experienced in football. I want to knuckle down that right wing-back position and do what’s best for my development.”
Will Matheson get a chance under Lage?
Lage brought through a host of young talent during his time at Benfica, including Joao Felix.
Matheson isn’t on that level, but he is a hugely talented 18-year-old and he might hope for a chance in pre-season.
Nelson Semedo may miss the start of the summer programme and if Lage is looking for a young right wing-back to fill the gap, Matheson might be the man.
He burst onto the scene at Rochdale and is clearly a mature lad for his age. Now he just needs a chance to shine – either at Molineux or out on loan.
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