Wolverhampton Wanderers are a club that prove just how difficult and competitive the Championship really is.
Following their relegation from the Premier League during the 2011/12 season they finished 23rd in the Championship the following season, suffering back to back relegation, before returning to the English second tier after winning League 1, and then finishing seventh, 14th and 15th the three seasons that followed, looking some way away from challenging for a return to the Premier League.
However, there is a new sense of optimism at the Midlands club, for the upcoming campaign, with the arrival of former Porto manager Nuno Espirito Santo, and a whole host of impressive signings and many expect the club to be challenging when it commences, and here’s three players to look out for, who I believe will be the danger men for Wolves this season.
Ruben Neves – Central Midfield
Unquestionably the signing of the summer in the Championship this summer window is Ruben Neves, who switched from Portuguese giants Porto to the Sky Bet Championship club this summer, for a reported club record £15 million fee.
The young Portuguese starlet was linked with a whole host of top European clubs, such as Liverpool, Chelsea and Juventus, but decided to reunite with his former manager at Wolves.
He captained the Portuguese side and became the youngest ever player to captain a side in the Champions League at 18 years and 221 days old, and the Molineux faithful will be looking for leadership like that next season at Wolves.
Helder Costa – Winger
Helder Costa was head and shoulders above a lot of his Wolves colleagues last season and managed 12 goals and 11 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
The 23-year-old, former Benfica man, who has had a spell on loan at Monaco, is injured for roughly the first six weeks of the season, however, meaning he may not feature until September/October time.
This will help other players to try to stake a claim for a place in the starting XI, but expect to see the Portuguese youth international in the side and impressing once again when he returns from injury.
Leo Bonatini – Striker
With the short comings of Nouha Dicko last season, it was no secret that Wolves needed a striker this window, and have opted for Brazilian youngster Leo Bonatini on a season-long-loan from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
The 23-year-old was reportedly wanted by the likes of Juventus and Manchester City, but opted for Wolves like so many talented players have this season.
If Wolves really want to mount a challenge for promotion they will need the Brazilian to settle quickly and start scoring goals, and if he is able to do this it could be a very successful year for Wolves.
