2020/21 has seen Wolverhampton Wanderers head into uncharted waters in terms of their formation.
Since Nuno Espirito Santo has been at the helm, the Wanderers have strictly been a three-at-the-back outfit that uses wing-backs.
That was the case until November 23, when Nuno shocked everybody by setting up like most other teams do – with a traditional flat back four.
That system has been rolled out several times since, and it has to be said, it hasn’t been all that successful so far.
The signs are there though that it can work and it does generally result in more chances created; it just needs some getting used to and the manager needs to work out which players suit which positions.
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One man this transition – if it is to eventually become permanent – could impact more than others is captain Conor Coady.
The star has been brilliant for Wolves under Nuno as that middle defender in a back three, but he’s been exposed playing with just one other partner.
It begs the question; could the 27-year-old make a move back into midfield to allow for more solid options at the back?
Coady at defensive midfield?
Unless Coady gets to grips playing in a two, it could be that Nuno changes his position next season or even towards the end of 2020/21.
Joao Moutinho sadly isn’t getting any younger and the signs are already there that he is declining physically – even if he did score a goal of the season contender the other night.
Coady – who cost the club a bargain £2 million (BBC Sport) – could ultimately become a replacement and play alongside Ruben Neves, with someone like Leander Dendoncker playing just ahead.
Such a role could be the way forward for him as at the moment, he isn’t looking so comfortable in a back four.