Wolves were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa this evening but ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson picked out one of Gary O’Neil’s players for praise.
Wolves supporters knew that travelling to Aston Villa and coming away with a result was a tall order.
The Wanderers squad is currently decimated through injuries and Gary O’Neil was forced into naming several youngsters on the bench, including Ty Barnett, Fletcher Holman and Tawanda Chirewa.
While the odds were stacked against them, Wolves started the brightest and should have taken the lead within 15 minutes, however, Rayan Ait-Nouri‘s effort from point-blank range was saved by Emi Martinez.
If the Algerian had tucked that chance away, it could have been a different match but Aston Villa grew in confidence and went in front through a Moussa Diaby thunderbolt. Ezri Konsa then doubled their advantage on the hour mark.
Despite showing early promise and causing Villa huge problems with their pace in transition, it wasn’t to be for O’Neil’s men but there was one player in Gold who could hold his head high.
Tommy Doyle hailed as ‘so integral’ by Paul Robinson
Wolves can purchase Doyle permanently from Manchester City for £4.3 million in the summer.
O’Neil has already said he sees the Englishman playing an integral role in his plans, with his performance in midfield today no doubt earning a few more admirers.
The 22-year-old started the game brilliantly, dictating proceedings with his superb passing range and didn’t look flustered in possession.
Doyle’s ability to execute difficult passes was shown him recording 12 accurate long balls, while he took the ball in tight spaces superbly well, registering a pass completion rate of 89%.
The England under-21 international was only making his seventh Premier League start of the season, despite joining at the start of September, and that left ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson wondering why.
He told BBC Sport: “Doyle integral to Wolves’ good start. He has been at the heart of a lot of good things from Wolves, they are showing good forward intent again.”
Wolves have to sign Doyle permanently
The “quality” Doyle was playing alongside tackling machine Joao Gomes and that duo were Wolves’ standout players in the match.
It was a performance, particularly from the Englishman, that explained why O’Neil is so keen to bring him to Molineux permanently.
For £4.3 million, Wolves won’t find a midfielder better than him in the market, especially not one currently plying their trade at international level.
Doyle must be their priority in the summer because if he continues producing those levels, other top-flight clubs will be circling.