One Wolves starlet has epitomised what Gary O’Neil needs from his players at present, as the Old Gold continue to struggle to navigate their small squad amid injury concerns.
For all of the work that Wolves put in to record some thrilling moments in the Premier League this term, the Old Gold are in fear of seeing the campaign fizzle out, as Gary O’Neil faces a battle to rediscover the spark in his team.
It was always going to be a big task for the manager to get his side to compete in the top flight due to the concerns over squad depth in the summer, seeing Julen Loeptegui step away from his role.
Since then, O’Neil has defied the odds to see Wolves still able to qualify for a place in the Europa Conference League however, it will be extremely difficult to achieve given the current injuries in the squad.
The front line in particular has been left frail due to the absences of Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-chan, who have contributed to 24 of Wolves’ 44 goals scored in the Premier League this season.
With resources extremely limited, it’s now that O’Neil will have to ask for more out of his players, with one rising star epitomising exactly what the manager currently requires.
Tawanda Chirewa has the right attitude to help Wolves and Gary O’Neil
Due to the squad’s lack of depth, the boss has had to call for help from some of the club’s academy jewels, with Tawanda Chirewa being one of the youngsters called into action last week.
The 20-year-old, who has five goals from seven appearances in the Premier League 2 this season, came on as a substitute against West Ham and was unbeknown a big part of the result.
It was the youngster who was deemed offside in Max Kilman’s equaliser, with him later admitting he was left “devastated” to learn of the part he played in the highly controversial VAR call.
Speaking to Express and Star, Chirewa explained his desire for the squad to bounce back in their next fixture, as well as showing that he has the perfect mentality to help Wolves in their desperate time of need.
“At Forest, we’ll go again and hopefully get the win there, to get back on our goal of challenging for Europe.”
“That’s the aim, keep helping the team and whatever the lads need from me, even if I come onto the pitch for one minute and run around, I’ll do it.”
“If it’s 10 minutes and try to create a goal, I’ll do it. Whatever the gaffer needs from me I’ll 100 per cent do.”
Tawanda Chirewa is leading by example amid Wolves’ current struggles
While it’s great for Wolves’ academy players to earn minutes at senior level, it’s equally difficult for them to adapt whilst carrying a significant weight on their shoulders.
Due to the injury woes, there is a subtle expectation for the youngsters to be able to step in for the seasoned senior stars at a level as high as the Premier League.
That being said, Chirewa’s comments on being prepared to give whatever it takes to help his club show an exemplary attitude from a player lacking senior experience.