One key statistic proves that Gary O’Neil is currently using one of his Wolves players completely wrong.
Wolves torrid start to the season continued on Saturday after falling to a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool.
Jamie Redknapp criticised Gary O’Neil for not taking enough risks late on in the game as the Old Gold went in search of an equaliser.
The Reds weren’t at their relentless best in this contest but Wolves didn’t do enough to punish them as in the final 34 minutes, they only made two touches in the opposition box.
One player to emerge with credit from the loss was Rayan Ait-Nouri, who initially got his side back on level terms after capitalising on an Ibrahima Konate error.
- READ MORE: Five things we learned as Wolves continue winless run with 2-1 Premier League defeat vs Liverpool
Gary O’Neil needs to play Rayan Ait-Nouri further up the pitch
Last season, Wolves were somewhat successful with their 3-4-3 system, as Ait-Nouri predominantly played as a left wing-back but also on the wing and in an attacking midfield role.
The Algerian has since returned to left-back since O’Neil switched to a 4-3-3 system and this has often restricted the 23-year-old.
Ait-Nouri is at his best when he has less defensive responsibility and is instead allowed to fly forward.
As seen with his goal against Liverpool, the man who signed for £9.5 million from Angers in 2021 found himself in the centre of the box to capitalise on a defensive error despite playing as a left-back.
This particular moment showed his instincts as an attacking player and also saw him record his fifth goal contribution of 2024, with only Ben White, Fabian Schar and Josko Gvardiol registering more involvements among defenders in the Premier League, as per BBC Sport.
- READ MORE: Wolves equal appalling unwanted club record as winless Premier League run continues vs Liverpool
O’Neil should revisit the successful 3-4-3 system
Whilst they’ve come up against several strong sides in the opening six games, returning to a three-at-the-back system – once everyone is fit – is a possibility that O’Neil could explore.
Not only does it benefit his wing-backs, Ait-Nouri and Nelson Semedo, but it also offers extra protection to a defence that is leaking goals and brings the best out of his forward players.
O’Neil has fallen into the trap that most managers do at Wolves, where they try to play out from the back after having success with a more direct style.
Ultimately, the Wolves boss just needs to use a formation that gets the best out of his players and for Ait-Nouri, that is playing as a wing-back.