Wolves host Sheffield United in the Premier League on Sunday and there is Pablo Sarabia is one who will be so crucial to unlocking the Blades defence.
After putting in an impeccable counter-attacking performance against Tottenham last weekend, Wolves will be required to do something they often struggle to do and that is breaking down a low block.
The Wanderers are at their best when they hit teams on the counter, utilising the pace of Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-Chan.
At times, being forced to have the lion’s share of possession can hinder Gary O’Neil’s side, but against Sheffield United, they will be the ones dictating proceedings.
With Chris Wilder setting up his team to frustrate the hosts and knick one on the counter-attack in typical Wolves style, O’Neil will need to use personnel who are comfortable in possession and can find those forward passes.
This has seen calls for midfielder Tommy Doyle to start as one of his strengths is his passing range, while Pablo Sarabia is another who will play a prominent role in the contest.
Why Pablo Sarabia is so important for Wolves against Sheffield United
Sarabia is one of several who have come on leaps and bounds under O’Neil after only featuring 13 times in the top flight last term.
The Spaniard’s rise to stardom is supplemented by his improvement across various attacking metrics.
As highlighted by FBref, the 31-year-old is producing more progressive passes (5.74/4.82), shot-creating actions (5.20/3.65), assists per 90 (0/0.54) and key passes (3.41/1.29) than last season.
Sarabia’s improvement in the space of a year is incredible and that is down to the understanding of his role in the system as he likes to occupy pockets of space in the right channel and drag defenders out of their comfort zone.
In a match that may require patience to break through the Blades rearguard, the former Paris Saint Germain star is exceptional at taking the ball between the lines and threading passes through to his teammates.
Given he’s posting 5.74 progressive passes per 90, ranking him in the top 13% of Premier League’s wingers, Sarabia always looks to play forward and those positive actions can have a huge impact on the contest.
With United fighting for their lives, they will be set up to absorb the threat that Wolves present in the build-up. As a result, responsibility could fall at the feet of the “outstanding” Sarabia to unpick their defence with some magic.