Just one defeat in five, renewed belief and the league’s best defence: Walter Zenga is already making an impact at Wolves.
A dubious, mega-money takeover, a swarm of overseas arrivals and the appointment of a madcap manager counting 16 clubs in his post-playing career; Wolves are used to a bit of upheaval but the summer of 2016 was something else.
Yet, five games into another gruelling Championship season, things are rather calm at Molineux. You could even go as far as to say they’re going rather well. Two wins from five games is hardly automatic promotion form, but steady improvements under Walter Zenga suggest a season of progress lies ahead after the Old Gold’s sheen dimmed under Kenny Jackett.
And three Wolves players in particular can thank their cool, quipping boss, manager of more teams in the middle-east than his native Italy, for their on-pitch prosperity in the season’s early stages.
Matt Doherty
Arguably Wolves’ player of the season so far, the 24-year-old has impressed hugely on the right-hand side of defence, his rampaging runs a key feature of the Zenga gameplan. Netting a well taken goal against Reading, Doherty is averaging 1.6 shots per game this season compared to 0.6 last according to WhoScored.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Irishman has also improved defensively under the guidance of the Italian tactician; a key cog in the Championship’s joint best defence.
Joe Mason
After three separate loan spells at Bolton between 2013 and 2015, versatile forward Mason has finally find a home at Molineux after arriving on a permanent deal from Cardiff in January. However, with the Bluebird’s registering just two home strikes all season (both own goals from Blackburn’s Steven Duffy), Mason’s new-found consistency delivers a timely slap in the face to his former employers.
Two goals in four starts is impressive, but Mason’s all round game has developed under Zenga while his defensive work-rate has increased markedly.
Danny Batth
A pillar of consistency throughout an often-turbulent half-decade for Wolves, academy graduate and captain Batth has taken his already impressive game to another level under the 56-year-old. The jewel in the crown of a defence that has conceded just four goals in five games, Batth’s leadership, composure and aerial prowess could provide the platform for a play-off push.
Only three players have averaged more than Batth’s 11.2 clearances per game, according to WhoScored, putting the 25-year-old marginally ahead of centre-back partner Kourtney Hause.
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