Mateus Mane’s rise from the academy to the first team this season has been a big positive.
It has been quite some time since a Wolves player has made that jump and become integral to the side, as Mane looks close to becoming that player.
You would have to go back to the days of Morgan Gibbs-White to find the next one, but the midfielder would not stick around long after reaching the first team.
Mane has been catching the eyes of Wolves’ opponents, and Rob Edwards is clearly a big fan of the player as well.
The 18-year-old’s performance vs Liverpool earned him high praise, but the involvement from another youngster should also be acknowledged.
How far do you think Mateus Mane can go in the world of football?
Lee Naylor has put high huge pressure on him 👀
Luke Rawlings has been in Wolves’ last two matchday squads
As the list of unavailable players begins to increase, Rob Edwards has turned to the academy at times to fill out the numbers in both training and in the squad.
When Wolves announced their squad to take on Brentford, there were four other youth prospects named on the bench alongside Mateus Mane.
Additionally, before facing the Bees, young wideman Ethan Sutherland was spotted in training, and Rob Edwards has issued an ultimatum to the youth at the club.
However, one player who has seemingly impressed Edwards has been Luke Rawlings, with the 17-year-old making the bench in the last two Wolves games.
After Mateus Mane’s rise, who is the next Wolves academy prospect you are most excited for?
Let us know in the comments!
Rawlings has yet to see the pitch for the first team, but Gary O’Neil rated him quite highly, calling him up for pre-season last summer and even giving him minutes in their tour of America.
And his time to feature for the Old Gold could come sooner rather than later.
Luke Rawlings should be given game time against Shrewsbury Town
With Luke Rawlings in and around the first team, the game against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup could be the chance for him to make an appearance.
Whether that is starting the game or coming off the bench is up to the head coach.
The midfielder has clearly been rated by Edwards to be included as part of Premier League matchday squads, even if his inclusion has come by way of injuries.
Shrewsbury Town are battling at the bottom of League Two, and that can be the perfect time to see what Rawlings is made of.
In the end, if he impresses, he could give Edwards another squad option moving forward.
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