What a tough season it's been so far Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Old Gold find themselves in 19th place in the Premier League, which may come as a shock to many including Phil McNulty, BBC Sport's chief football writer. He said: “I think Wolverhampton is able to avoid danger” at the beginning of the season, but so far things are not going that way.
Everything will change in the next few weeks, too Gary O'Neill Latest dismissal. Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira is officially the new head coachHe has a lot of work to do to save the season.
With that in mind, here's a look at the Wolves' dream lineup to use Pereira prefers 3-4-3with some potential signings in January as well.
1
Goalkeeper – Sam Johnston
It's been a lean season so far for the Wolves, He conceded 40 goalsthe most in the Premier League. Sam Johnston and Jose Sa had battled for the gloves, with Sa being O'Neill's preferred option.
With that being said, Johnston has Conceded 17 goals In seven top-flight appearances, which seems a lot worse considering he allowed five goals in one game against Brentford. The average number of goals conceded per match is lower than SA, at 2.42 compared to 2.55. He could get the nod.
2
RWB – Nelson Semedo
Newly appointed Wolves captain Nelson Semedo is sure to be a key player under Pereira. It seems unlikely that his compatriot will rock the boat further by removing the Portuguese right-back's captaincy.
From a defensive point of view this season, the former Barcelona defender has been decisive. According to FBrefHe made the most clearances among Wolves players with 59, and the fourth most tackles and interceptions with 39. He is a decisive player.
3
Playmaker – Craig Dawson
Experienced centre-back Craig Dawson had a moment to forget a few weeks ago during the match against Everton. His two own goals contributed to half of the goals conceded in the 4-0 win at Goodison Park.
His bad form means O'Neill He dropped it in his last two matchesBut that didn't make much difference to the Midlands club. It is possible that Pereira could reinstate him, looking to build on his experience.
4
Playmaker – Ben Godfrey
The first of the two potential new signings in this hypothetical lineup is former Everton player Ben Godfrey. According to the Daily MailThe Old Gold are understood to be “among the clubs keen” to sign him on loan, along with the likes of Nottingham Forest.
The defender has been a bit player in an incredibly successful Atalanta side this season, which he joined in the summer from the Toffees. He will bring experience to the backline at Molineux, given he has it He played 112 times in the English Premier Leagueexactly the kind of addition that can help preserve it.
5
Center back – Totti Gomez
25-year-old Portuguese international Totti Gomes has been another important player for Old Gold in 2024/25, despite his defensive weaknesses. I have Made 14 Premier League The emergence of this term.
The only thing the Wolves number 24 can offer the defense is progress on the ball. This season, he has played 31 progressive passes, more than any other centre-back, with Dawson coming in second with 19. Not only is he a solid defender, he is a huge asset if Pereira wants to play out from the back.
6
LWB – Rayan Ait-Nouri
Rayan Ait Nouri was one of the only players to perform at a high level for the Old Gold team this season. he He never missed a single match in the first divisionalthough he will be banned for their next Premier League match.
The Algerian left-back has been flying back and forth on O'Neill's wing this season, and his three goals and three assists so far show the kind of impact he can have. There are question marks over his future at the club, with Manchester United linked in a £60m deal According to GiveMeSport. However, there is no doubt that Pereira will be desperate to keep him at the club.
7
cm – others
It has been a difficult start to life in the Midlands for summer signing Andre. I have Played 12 times In the First Division, but he was not the first choice in midfield, as he participated for only 733 minutes in total.
However, it appears Pereira may back him given the new coach's experience in the midfielder's home country of Brazil. Having managed Corinthians and Flamengo, he will have faced the former Fluminense man before and will know the quality he has to offer.
8
Midfielder – Joao Gomez
Andre's partner in midfield could be Brazilian Joao Gomez. He has been a mainstay in the Old Gold's midfield this season until the last match against Ipswich Town, He played in 15 of 16 matches.
Gomez's ability in midfield to win the ball back is vital for Molineux's side. He has recovered 80 balls this season, more than any of his teammates, and has also completed 60 tackles and an interception so far. His work rate off the ball will be crucial for Pereira.
9
AM – Miguel Almiron
The second potential new signing for old gold in January is… Miguel Almiron. According to The SunThe Newcastle United winger is of interest to Wolverhampton on loan, with Leicester City and Crystal Palace also interested.
The attacker who He earns £60,000 a week At St James' Park, he could enter the side as a number 10 or as a false winger, replacing former club captain Mario Lemina in the side.
He hasn't played much this season, but he is a proven goalscorer in the Premier League and has scored 11 times in the 2022/23 season.
10
AM – Mateus Cunha
People are running out of superlatives for Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha. He has been outstanding for the Midlands club again this season, with Eight goals and three assists. This includes two goals and one assist in Wolves' second win of the season against Fulham.
Everything good that happened to Old Gold was most likely because of its being. He makes things happen and has the most shot creation moves per 90 minutes among teammates who average five full games or more, with 3.91.
11
ST – Jørgen Strand Larsen
Cunha has not been the only Wolves striker to impress this season, and while he has taken on the bulk of the responsibility, Jorgen Strand-Larsen has also had a successful campaign so far.
in 16 matches In the English Premier League this season, the loaned star, who belongs to his original club Celta Vigo, scored six goals and provided two assists. It seems certain that he will remain a regular starter under Pereira as his side seeks survival.
Wolves' dream starting lineup under Pereira, in full – Goalkeeper – Johnston; Right winger – Semedo, central defender – Dawson, central defender – Godfrey, central defender – Totti, left winger – Ait Nouri; Midfielder – Andre, Midfielder – Gomez; AM – Almiron, AM- Cunha; Street – Strand Larsen
