Wolves are going about their business in their usual fashion this season.
They haven’t really got out of second gear but find themselves seventh in the Premier League, just a point off the top four.
However, there has been something a bit different about their last few games.
On the chalkboard
Wolves and Nuno Santo have become infamous for one thing – using three central defenders.
In 166 of his 168 games in charge, he has utilised either a three-back or five back formation, one that’s predominantly seen Conor Coady in the middle as the lynchpin and sweeper.
It’s a tactic that the Portuguese has used since the very moment he walked through the door.
Though, in his last two games, he has started to move away from his tried and tested techniques. That’s because, for the first time as Wolves boss, he has decided to go with four in defence.
It’s worked a treat too, with a draw and a win over Southampton and Arsenal respectively to show for it.
Though, who could benefit from this systematic gamble the most?
Gibbs-White resurgence
The talented Wolves teenager has never quite had the rub of the green at Molineux. The attacking midfielder has started just six Premier League outings in two years and even after moving out on loan to Swansea, is finding life difficult.
Described as a “gem” by former Wolves man Jordan Graham, Gibbs-White is currently on the sidelines because of a fractured foot.
The 20-year-old is one of the finest talents to come through the Wolves academy but because of their formation, he’s not really had a look in. Due to playing with three centre-backs, Nuno has preferred two wing-backs and twin wingers playing close to the striker – usually Raul Jimenez.
However, after moving to a four back, it has opened up an area of the pitch previously unutilised by Wolves – the number 10 area.
Daniel Podence was encapsulating in that role against Arsenal, scoring a goal and performing four dribbles so there’s no reason Nuno shouldn’t go with a similar system again.
And if he does maintain this style of football then Gibbs-White surely has a better chance of securing first-team minutes.
Of course, this Wolves team is getting better all the time but with his preferred position now opening as a viable role at Molineux, the £5.4m-rated youngster could still yet thrive.
In other news, check out how Wolves can find their PERFECT heir to Jimenez…