Is Nouha Dicko exactly what Wolves have been missing?

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The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward is back amongst the goals after his strike against Nottingham Forest.

After a year of turbulent injury issues permeated by a serious crucial knee ligament rupture, Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Nouha DIcko could have been excused from indulging in celebration following the Mali international’s match-winning goal against Nottingham Forest in midweek – just his second Championship goal of his 23 league appearances this season.

Although, upon speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel, Dicko cut a determined and considered post-game figure when reflecting on his campaign thus far. Dicko told the club, ‘I haven’t really done that well this season’, before adding, ‘I hope the fans enjoyed my goal – and the three points.’

Indeed, reaction from the Wolves faithful to the 1-0 victory over Forest has indicated that Dicko’s wishes appears to have been vindicated. Further, Dicko’s team mates – including captain Danny Batth – took to social media to express their delight, and pass on congratulations, towards Wolves’ number 9.

The reality behind the mini-euphoria surrounding Wolves’ fifth consecutive Championship victory is that Dicko has hardly been prolific since his return to the first team after his long-term injury absence.

However, fans of the Wanderers will be aware that DIcko’s perceived struggles in front of goal may well stem from the lack of any pre-season – and the expectation placed upon the forward to reintegrate into the side and provide the much needed quench to Wolves’ goal drought that has dogged their inconsistencies throughout the current campaign.

Paul Lambert’s troops have struggled in front of goal – with the only players to score more than five goals being midfielders Helder Costa (12) and David Edwards (10), whist defender Matt Doherty, with five goals, has bagged more than any of Wolves’ strikers Andreas Weimann (3), Jon Dadi Bodvarsson (2) and Dicko (2).

A fully-fit Dicko could be a huge asset to Wolves next season – as the 24-year-old possesses admirable movement, strength and power in the final third and has shown an ability to find the back of the net on many occasions in the recent past.

Aside from this season of rejuvenation, and missing all but five games of the 2015-16 season with the cruciate knee injury, Dicko has tended to deliver goals on a consistent basis for the Molineux club.

Dicko scored 13 goals in 19 appearances in the process of becoming the club’s top scorer in 2013-14 – despite only signing in the January transfer window. The following year saw Dicko bag a further 14 goals in his first full season of Championship football.

Whether Dicko can fire Wolves to a much improved 2017-18 remains to be seen; however, the 5ft 8in. front man certainly possesses the credentials to rise to the challenge – and may prove to be exactly what Wolves have been missing.