2022/23 has been somewhat frustrating so far for Wolves midfielder Connor Ronan, and he may now have three chances to impress new manager Julen Lopetegui.
The star enjoyed a fantastic loan spell with St Mirren last term, which culminated in him winning their Player of the Season award.
Ronan’s stock was high over the summer. A number of Scottish clubs showed interest in him after seeing him up close.
In the end though, Ronan stayed with Wolves after playing in front of Bruno Lage in pre-season.
The former manager was supposedly a fan of Ronan, and the 24-year-old was able to convince him to give him a place in Wanderers’ squad for 2022/23 season.
Ronan would ultimately never feature under Lage though, with Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes and Joao Moutinho the preferred options. Boubacar Traore also featured ahead of him.
But he did finally make his Premier League debut for Wolves. Interim manager Steve Davis put him on right at the end against Brighton.
He then got his first start for the Wolves first-team for four years against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup.
Ronan did well against the Whites, and did leave quite a few people wondering why he hasn’t really been able to get a sniff.
Julen Lopetegui has come in now, and a new manager surely means a clean slate for everyone.
It’s a chance for Ronan to put down a marker.
After the World Cup, Wolves will play three games before the January transfer window opens, meaning potentially three opportunities for Ronan to shape his immediate future.
Wolves face Gillingham on December 20, before taking on Everton that weekend in the Premier League.
Then to close out 2022 it’s Manchester United at home on December 31.
Connor Ronan potentially faces struggle to remain with Wolves beyond January, he needs to impress Lopetegui if he wants Molineux stay
It’s going to be interesting to see what happens with Ronan in January.
He’s really had to bide his time for a chance, and it has been a bit of a shame.
To have gone from being a main man with St Mirren to warming Wolves’ bench cannot be ideal for him.
Arguably, he should have featured more than he has so far.
He’s a really tidy player on the ball and is capable of scoring and assisting from midfield. This was evidenced by his performances last season in Scotland. He’s also got great delivery from set-pieces.
He’ll fancy his chances of playing against Gillingham in the Carabao Cup. And Ronan will really need to dominate that game to send a message to Lopetegui.
There’s potential for Ronan to head out on loan again in January. But if that’s not something he wants, then he’s got to make his mark in these upcoming games.