Wolves fans have really been treated this season, with a plethora of players impressing under Gary O’Neil.
It was anticipated by many that Wanderers would struggle following a chaotic summer that saw several top stars sold, and Julen Lopetegui leave just days before the start of the new season.
O’Neil has worked wonders though, with the forward players coming in for especially high praise.
For the past few years, Wolves have had problems in the final third and scoring goals. This term, that has not been an issue.
One of the shining lights for Wolves has been Pedro Neto, who has contributed three goals and 11 assists so far.
The Portuguese has been in the form of his life for Wanderers, and has probably been the Wolves player pundits have spoken about the most.
He is perhaps the current favourite to pick up the Player of the Season award – but there’s one man who has genuine potential to nick it ahead of him this summer…
Mario Lemina is a credible threat to Pedro Neto for Wolves’ Player of the Season award
Neto has been absolutely sensational at times this season.
Some of the assists he’s made have been remarkable, such as the own goal he forced against Manchester City, and when he led a Wolves counter against Tottenham Hotspur before squaring for Joao Gomes to score.
The 24-year-old has gone to a new level under O’Neil, and is firmly in contention to be named Wolves Player of the Season.
But surely it will be a close run thing between him and Mario Lemina, who himself has been outstanding in the middle of the park.
I say ‘in the middle of the park’, but that is doing the Gabon international a disservice – because, as was the case on Saturday against Fulham especially – he has been absolutely everywhere.
Lemina has been the heartbeat of this Wolves team for a while now, and it is crystal clear that the influence he has at Molineux is gargantuan.
The £45,000-a-week star constantly impresses with his tenacity, athleticism and combativeness – and crucially, he is pretty much always available for selection. Durability is such an underrated aspect of any footballer, and Lemina just being there and being consistent is huge for Wolves.
And it isn’t just about what Lemina gives Wolves on the pitch. This team have been as successful as they have this season because of things like belief and team spirit – and Lemina is a massive character and personality, which counts for a lot. Nelson Semedo said after the win over Fulham that he has ‘massive respect’ for him, and you can bet most of the other players feel the exact same.
It is also remarkable to consider how amazing he’s been while he and his family have been going through such a tough time with his father’s illness and sad passing.
There are two Player of the Season awards at Wolves. One is the fan-voted one, and the other is Players’ Player.
It is very possible that Lemina – branded ‘incredible’ earlier this season by O’Neil – could end up winning both of these awards. Especially since Neto is now set for more time on the sidelines with his latest injury.