Rob Edwards has some tough selection dilemmas ahead of him when Wolves host West Ham.
Andre’s return from suspension will certainly be a boost, as the midfield options are currently slim due to injuries.
However, Rob Edwards found unlikely solutions as industrious displays from Jhon Arias as a number eight and the surprisingly solid showing from Mateus Mane in midfield offered him more to think about moving forward.
While Andre and Joao Gomes are typically some of the first names on the team sheet due to them being hard-working players and excellent off the ball and being able to keep the ball ticking, the pair also have their drawbacks.
And when it comes to facing West Ham, it is clear what the head coach must do with the Brazilian duo.
Will Wolves pick up their first win of the season against West Ham?
Joao Gomes and Andre must not play in a midfield two
Joao Gomes and Andre must play against West Ham; that is not in question, and Edwards has previously suggested he will play them at every turn.
The midfield duo are two of Wolves’ highest-quality players in the squad, and when you must win games, your best players simply have to start.
However, Edwards must refrain from using just the two of them in midfield. While they offer energy and a willingness to tackle, their qualities in getting the ball forward and into the final third are lacking.
The likes of Jhon Arias and Mateus Mane have proved that Wolves can be more adventurous in their midfield selections.
While they are typically forward players, the Colombian and the young talent did not negatively affect the Old Gold defensively vs Manchester United.
Instead, it gave the midfield that added creativity that has been desperately needed all season. Fans have been calling for the two not to form a midfield two, and the proof was evident as to why at Old Trafford.
Finish the sentence: The first player on Rob Edwards’ teamsheet vs West Ham must be _______.
Wolves can make it three wins out of three vs the Hammers 👀
Jhon Arias is the best option to partner Andre and Joao Gomes
Out of the current options available, Jhon Arias can be the best option to form a midfield three alongside the two Brazilians.
The Colombian has had a tough time at Wolves ever since joining in the summer, but his performance against Manchester United was certainly one of his better in the Old Gold.
While Mateus Mane and Ladislav Krejci are other options, the 18-year-old forward may be better suited further up the pitch, while the Czech player is a more defensive option
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Arias in the middle provides a player who can carry the ball up the pitch and one whose goal is not just to keep the ball moving but to move it in the right direction towards the opponents’ box.
It has not worked out for the 28-year-old at Molineux, but a new role in midfield could spark a remarkable turnaround for him.
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