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Why flexibility must be an option for Wolves despite unique system
Last season saw a triumphant return to the Premier League for Wolves as they won the EFL Championship title.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men took the second division by storm with their unique 3-4-3 lineup, scoring an incredible 82 goals in 46 games as they picked up 99 points.
Much of Wolves’ success can be put down to their distinctive set-up, overloading the opposition in attacking positions and crowding them out in defence.
Since their promotion to the Premier League, Wolves have taken 16 points from 12 games, winning, drawing, and losing four a piece.
Notable draws at Manchester United and Arsenal were mostly down to their ability to stop the opposition playing, though disappointing losses to Brighton and Watford have seen the Wanderers struggle to get going.
The injection of fresh tactics can often see teams somewhat revolutionise the league, leaving opponents stumped as they figure out how best to stop a new system.
This has been shown in recent years by the likes of Brendan Rodgers’ 4-4-2 diamond at Liverpool, Antonio Conte’s deep 3-4-3 at Chelsea, and Pep Guardiola’s almost liquid 4-1-4-1 at Manchester City.
Though Guardiola’s team continues to thrive, the common factor amongst fresh ideas is that they are met with the same, and eventually a way to stop them is found.
Wolves are by no means in trouble, but if they are to thrive in the Premier League, they must show the ability to continue to surprise their opponents by adapting their system.