Ryan Giles has really brought the defensive side of his game up to scratch according to Wolves’ strategic player marketing manager Matt Jackson.
Giles is now in an interesting position, having just finished a fantastic loan spell with Middlesbrough.
The 23-year-old thrived at the Riverside Stadium, making 12 assists in 2022/23.
He really caught the eye with his knack for getting high up and putting in brilliant crosses.
It is an attribute that has long helped Giles to stand out. Former technical director Scott Sellars once called him one of the best young crossers of the ball in the country.
The Boro attackers have reaped the benefits of playing in the same side as him.
Giles’ attacking qualities have perhaps meant that the defensive side of his game hasn’t always looked as strong.
But Jackson has now made some encouraging comments about Giles.
Wolves’ Ryan Giles is now far better defensively after Boro loan, according to Matt Jackson
Wolves fans will likely have caught wind of Giles’ exploits for Boro in terms of him regularly laying on assists.
But Jackson has said (via The Athletic) that the wing-back has really worked hard on his actual defending.
He said: “It certainly has progressed. He’s much better one-versus-one and aerially now.
“By his own admission, before it was all about attacking play. He now understands that to play at the top level you have to have all elements of your game at the top level, and he’s worked extremely hard to do that.
“He’s been encouraged to play a certain way in the Middlesbrough side that really suited him, which meant he did end up as a winger a lot of the time. But he has been forced into one-versus-one situations and into far-post (defensive) headers that are uncomfortable at times for wingers playing back there.
“He now no longer looks like a winger playing at full-back.”
Wolves in a great position over defensively-improved Ryan Giles, but Julen Lopetegui will surely want to take a look at him
At this point everyone knows how useful Giles is in the final third.
He really does have a wicked delivery on him, and he’s a real asset to have.
These comments from Jackson are very encouraging, and it’s starting to sound like Giles is becoming a very well-rounded full-back.
Wolves are in a good position over the 23-year-old.
Giles’ market value should be relatively decent. He has a lot of interest in him so there’s a good chance of bringing in a tidy sum.
But Julen Lopetegui may feel Giles is a genuine option for him. It would be great if he could get a chance with the first-team squad.