Analysing Wolves’ left wing back options on opening weekend

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Jonny’s injury has given Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo a conundrum at left wing back.

Ahead of the opening weekend of the Premier League season, who will Santo plump for?

We’ve had a look at his options ahead of that trip to Sheffield United on Monday night…

Ruben Vinagre

Jonny’s injury had penalty of fantasy football managers selecting Vinagre in their first drafts.

He is well-versed in what Santo expects from his wing backs and has been Jonny’s long-term deputy.

Vinagre could be about to get a chance to show what he’s all about on a consistent basis.

That said, the Daily Mail reported this week that Wolves could look to sell the 21-year-old and they have recently made a left-sided defensive signing…

Marcal

That new face is Marcal, who arrived from Lyon not long after helping them reach the Champions League semi-final.

They of course knocked out Juventus and Manchester City en route, thanks in no small part due to their defensive solidity.

The new man will expect to usurp Vinagre eventually, but is he ready for Monday night?

It can take a while to get used to a new club, style of play and Santo won’t play anyone about whom he’s got doubts in terms of their knowledge of his system.

Marcal should get there but it might take time.

Oskar Buur

In truth, it’s more than likely that one of the two men above will get the nod.

If, for some reason, they don’t, the only other semi-realistic alternative is 22-year-old Buur, who prefers operating on the right.

He actually has a good chance of playing right wing back, depending on Adama Traore’s availability.

If Santo fails to land a replacement for Matt Doherty, perhaps Wolves fans could be seeing more of Buur as the season goes along.