Wolverhampton Wanderers sit bottom of the Premier League pack at the World Cup break. But Ruben Neves remains atop our Power Rankings as Julen Lopetegui takes over Wolves.
Neves headlined our top 10 best performers at Molineux at the September international break. It had already been a disappointing campaign for the West Midlands side as Bruno Lage laboured to one win in seven games to sit 17th in the standings after three defeats.
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Results failed to improve under the Portuguese and Wolves sacked Lage on October 2 with the club in 18th. U18 boss Steve Davis took over on an interim basis but he could only take one win and a draw across seven matches. Lopetegui took over the reins on November 14.
Lopetegui watched from the stands as Wolves suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Arsenal in their final game before the World Cup. It extended a run of five without a win under Davis to fall to the bottom of the pack. The Molineux side have just 10 points through 15 games.
Neves remains atop our Wolves Power Rankings as Neto and Castro fall out
Neves has captained Wolves in all but one of their 15 Premier League matches after taking over the armband in the summer. The 25-year-old missed his side’s 3-0 defeat at Chelsea in October through suspension. He has picked up six yellow cards already during 2022/23.
Yet the Portuguese remains atop our Power Rankings after leading Wolves by example and has scored four goals so far. Only Daniel Podence has also scored multiple goals for Wolves with two. Adama Traore and Goncalo Guedes are their only other stars to score with one.
Pedro Neto and Jonny Castro have fallen out of our Wolves Power Rankings at mid-season. The pair ranked seventh and 10th respectively at the last international break in September given their early-season efforts. But Hugo Bueno and Traore have since forced their way in.
Neto had tried hard to help Lage achieve better results during the first seven games of the top-flight term. Yet the 22-year-old failed to score or provide an assist. He then suffered an ankle injury 24 minutes into the Molineux natives’ return to action that required surgery.
Castro, on the other hand, had enjoyed mixed successes with his defensive efforts over his first seven appearances. The 28-year-old’s performances failed to improve after the break for the September internationals, though. He also fell out of the team with Davis in charge.
So, as Lopetegui runs the rule over his ranks at Molineux as the Premier League hits pause for the World Cup, HITC Football has taken a fresh look at our Power Rankings at Wolves…
1. Ruben Neves (+/-0): The Wolves captain remains atop our Power Rankings
Neves remains atop our Power Rankings at Wolves having been integral to whatever they have attempted under Lage or Davis. He has, for the most, shown his teammates the way as skipper over his 14 outings. He has also fought valiantly to try and win possession back.
2. Jose Sa (+1): The goalkeeper climbs one spot after some strong displays
Jose Sa has climbed a spot to take second place in our Wolves Power Rankings after some strong displays. The 29-year-old may have conceded 24 goals in 15 games, but he has kept four clean sheets. Wolves’ defenders leaving him exposed has not helped the goalkeeper.
3. Max Kilman (-1): Lage’s departure has been costly for the defender
Lage’s departure has appeared costly for Max Kilman as the defender has struggled more than most since the change. He was an imperious centre-half through the first part of the term. But a confidence crisis took its toll and Lopetegui will need to restore his mojo soon.
4. Matheus Nunes (+1): Lopetegui will look to see his bright sparks explode
Lopetegui will look to see Matheus Nunes’ bright sparks explode and Lage’s £42m signing from Sporting Lisbon deliver consistently. The midfielder has shown promise in his outings so far this term. But he has also struggled to knit play beside his driving runs in the centre.
5. Daniel Podence (+3): Wolves need the winger to find his scoring boots again
Wolves need Podence to find his scoring boots again having gone nine games without any goals. He has come close to causing trouble and is not afraid to be creative. A few skilful touches along the way, consistency is the biggest issue with the forward’s performances.
6. Joao Moutinho (+3): An injury delayed his season and is still getting going
A knock in training delayed the start of Joao Moutinho’s season and the Portuguese is still going through the low gears some weeks. His passing has occasionally proven wasteful and he has taken too much time on the ball. But the 36-year-old’s pressing has had its benefits.
7. Nathan Collins (-1): A red card has taken the momentum out of his season
Nathan Collins missed Wolves’ first three fixtures after the September international break while serving a suspension for his red card. His return to the line-up has not been flawless, either, after a few mistakes from the 21-year-old who looked strong earlier in the season.
8. Adama Traore (NEW): The Spaniard forces a way into our Wolves Power Rankings
Traore has forced a way into our Wolves Player Rankings with his efforts during Davis’ spell in charge. The £18m Spaniard could barely get a look in under Lage this season. Yet he has been a dangerous presence on the break and will be a threat if he can find an end product.
9. Hugo Bueno (NEW): Davis gave the 20-year-old his debut in October
Davis gave Hugo Bueno his first-team debut as Wolves beat Nottingham Forest in October. The 20-year-old replaced Rayan Ait-Nouri in stoppage time and has held onto the left-back role for five Premier League starts. His attacking runs have also been hugely positive so far.
10. Goncalo Guedes (-6): A massive drop off from Lage’s summer signing
HITC Football placed Guedes fourth in our Wolves Player Rankings at the last international break. But Lage’s £27.5m summer signing from Valencia has suffered a massive drop off in form. He has barely been involved in some matches and turned possession over with ease.
Lopetegui will hope scoring his first goal for Wolves against Brighton & Hove Albion during Davis’ penultimate game marks a fresh start for Guedes. The 25-year-old also only has one assist, penned in August, and has rarely had the desire to contribute in defensive positions.
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