The win over local rivals, Aston Villa, on Sunday showed Wolves to be a level above the Birmingham side. This now makes seven Premier League games unbeaten and the team is absolutely flying. The performance at Molineux was one of the most complete we’ve had all season.
All this makes picking just three stand-out players a somewhat difficult task. Leander Dendoncker, Joāo Moutinho and Matt Doherty all played extremely well. However, there were a few performances that were worthy of special praise.
Adama Traore:
(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Adama had a lot to prove on Sunday. The Spaniard who has just had to reject his first international call up had played for Villa during the 2015-16 season where he made just 11 appearances. Traore responded to the team that got rid of him after that year by putting in a Man of The Match performance for Wolves.
He had an incredible 11 dribbles in the game, 10 of them successful. This was the most in a Premier League game since Eden Hazard in August 2018. Adama was also crucial in our second goal, with a stunning run accompanied by a great pass into Jimenez.
Nuno has helped Traore no end this season and he is now looking like one of the most dangerous forwards in Europe. The stand-out player even managed to get praise from rival supporters after tearing Villa apart.
Ruben Neves:
The Portuguese midfielder added to his impressive collection of goals on Sunday. His 41st minute effort from just outside the box was struck brilliantly and was too strong for Steer in the Villa goal. Neves also made a whopping 58 passes in the game whilst controlling the midfield with Moutinho and was one of Wolves’ stand-out players.
(Photo by Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images)
Neves had been playing too far back for us at the start of the season. Now, in the 3-4-3, he can have a greater influence on the game and the change looks to have clearly benefited his game.
Raul Jimenez:
The third stand-out player in Sunday’s win was the scorer of the second goal, Raul Jimenez. His finish was exquisitely placed into the far corner, effectively sealing the game for Wolves. His all round game was also outstanding. Jimenez completed 85% of his passes, made four key passes, had five dribbles as well as five shots.
(Photo by Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images)
Jimenez continues to be one of the best strikers in the Premier League, and most complete players in the Wolves team. He can contribute with goals, assists, pressing and his hold-up play; proving to be massive part of Wolves’ success on Sunday.