Wolves had a quiet deadline day yesterday, with Ruben Vinagre’s loan move to Greek giants Olympiacos the only activity at Compton Park.
Nuno Espirito Santo got his business done early, with Rayan Ait-Nouri the final addition on Sunday.
It’s been an interesting window for Wolves.
Some very good incomings, but the loss of Diogo Jota and Matt Doherty is bound to sting.
Although the domestic transfer window remains open until October 16, now seems like a good time to consider what Nuno’s best team is right now…
Goalkeeper
Rui Patricio has simply been a quality signing for Wolves.
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Defence
The defence been shaky at times so far this season, but Wolves’ best trio has to be Willy Boly, Conor Coady and Romain Saiss.
Saiss was deployed as a left wing-back against Fulham and it was clear it wasn’t a natural position for him.
He clumsily gave away a penalty against Manchester City, but in 2020 the Moroccan has largely been very good.
Right now, he probably just about gets into Wolves’ strongest XI, with Leander Dendoncker probably having too much to his game to play in defence, although he could do a job.
Midfield
In central midfield, Ruben Neves and Leander Dendoncker appear to be the best pairing available to Nuno right now.
It is so difficult to say that Molineux favourite Joao Moutinho should go on the bench given how much of a bargain he’s been, but unfortunately the maestro has not started the new season particularly well, nor did he end 2019/20 in particularly great fashion.
Ultimately he is quite similar to Neves, and Dendoncker offers steel, technical quality and versatility.
The best wing-back pairing has got to be Nelson Semedo and Fernando Marcal.
Jonny, of course, remains sidelined, but the Brazilian looked really solid on his debut against Sheffield United. Rayan Ait-Nouri may get some chances, but the star is only 19 and is unlikely to get regular minutes straight away.
Semedo is the new record signing after joining for a reported £37 million (BBC Sport), and the star could potentially be Wolves’ best addition in that right wing-back wole that will suit his attacking nature perfectly.
Attack
Like Moutinho, Adama Traore hasn’t started 2020/21 in the best way, but the winger surely makes Wolves’ strongest XI.
What he brings to the table is so unique for the team, and he just has that potential to rip defences to shreds.
Daniel Podence gets in just ahead of Pedro Neto.
Neto has been one of Wolves’ better players so far this season and exluding him feels harsh, but one gets the feeling 2020/21 could be a breakout season for livewire Podence.
And it goes without saying Raul Jimenez leads the line.