Wolves have a very difficult opening Premier League fixture against Arsenal in just under a couple of weeks.
Gary O’Neil has overseen a productive pre-season so far and the players look to be heading into the new campaign in really good shape.
Wolves have recorded four wins from their five pre-season matches so far, and by many accounts, the intensity in training over the past few weeks has been really good.
Wolves are going to have to be at their very best when they face Arsenal on August 17. The Gunners lost out on the Premier League title on the final day last season, and are quite clearly a top side.
O’Neil’s first team selection will be fascinating, and there are a number of players who will be hoping to make the cut.
Here are three players who need big performances against Rayo Vallecano in the club’s final pre-season friendly on Saturday, if they are to start at the Emirates.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde didn’t really have the debut season he was hoping for in 2023/24, after signing from Strasbourg.
After a lively debut against Liverpool, he then struggled to replicate that level and also had some injury problems throughout the campaign.
People are expecting a lot more from the Frenchman in 2024/25, and it sounds as though he has been catching the eye in pre-season. In fact last week, O’Neil suggested that Bellegarde has given himself a ‘great chance’ of starting that opening game against Arsenal.
So he is already in the manager’s thoughts.
A big performance against Vallecano for Bellegarde would essentially nail down his starting position against the Gunners, so it’s important he plays well.
With Matheus Cunha battling to be fit for that first game, the motivation should be firmly there for Bellegarde to impress on Saturday.
Pedro Lima
Lima is one of three new faces in the Wolves squad for 2024/25, after he joined this summer from Sport Recife.
So far, the Brazilian has looked really good for Wanderers, and O’Neil recently stated that he felt the youngster had ‘unbelievable ability’. The manager also urged patience over the 18-year-old.
He’s looked very lively so far, and a big performance from him against Vallecano would perhaps throw the cat amongst the pigeons.
Because Nelson Semedo cannot play against Arsenal due to the red card he picked up against Liverpool on the final day of last season. He is suspended for three games.
Matt Doherty is perhaps the favourite to start in his place, which is why Lima needs a big display on Saturday if he is to start over the Republic of Ireland international.
Maybe it’s unlikely he’ll get the nod, but he can at least give his manager a tough decision to make.
Yerson Mosquera
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Yerson Mosquera is a player Wolves fans are extremely excited about heading into the new season.
The Colombia international has returned following loan spells with FC Cincinnati and Villarreal, having shone at both clubs.
Mosquera has been away rebuilding and developing after suffering a very unfortunate hamstring injury shortly after joining Wolves for £4.5 million, and he now looks set for first-team involvement.
He is another player who has really impressed in pre-season so far and it feels like O’Neil might be tempted to throw him in against Arsenal.
A solid performance against Vallecano might give O’Neil the encouragement he needs to choose the youngster, who would finally be making his debut in the Premier League.