Wolves have had their adaptability put to the test throughout the 2023/24 campaign, with Gary O’Neil now explaining the advantage he has with depth in one key position.
There aren’t many areas in Wolves’ squad that Gary O’Neil has depth to work with, as the Old Gold continue to battle their way through 2023/24 towards the summer transfer window.
The Midlands club will be hopeful of having the chance to bolster the team in the market with the financial support of Fosun, who were unable to assist Julen Lopetegui last summer due to restrictions.
It’s critical that Fosun find a way to back O’Neil in preparation for next season, with the Englishman having minimal resources to work with in his shortened squad.
While the 40-year-old has seen his front line needing replenishment from the academy due to injury woes, there is one position that O’Neil has been able to rotate, with the boss recently speaking highly of his midfield options.
Gary O’Neil praises the roles of Boubacar Traore and Tommy Doyle in the squad
Speaking to the media after Wolves’ much-needed win over Luton Town on Saturday, the manager explained his ability to change personnel in his midfield thanks to the quality of Boubacar Traore and Tommy Doyle.
As relayed by Express and Star, O’Neil praised the ‘impact’ the duo can have on a game-to-game basis.
“It all depends on how I see the game, they can both impact Premier League games very differently.
“If we are going to dominate the ball, like we did against West Ham for 45 minutes, you think that will suit Tommy.
“Knowing Luton would be man-for-man and there would be lots of loose balls and duels, I thought Bouba would give us something.
“I thought his [Traore’s] performance against Arsenal was excellent. If it was not three games in a week, he would have played against Bournemouth. I just thought it was maybe too much, having not played in a while.”
Wolves are fortunate to have options in midfield
While it’s been a difficult season for both Traore and Doyle, who have secured just 16 starts in the Premier League between them, it’s been a relief for O’Neil to have players of such quality waiting in the wings if needed.
As cited by the manager, the duo offer two very different options in midfield however, neither have yet been able to usurp the trusted pivot of Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes.
READ MORE: What Gary O’Neil thought about Boubacar Traore’s display v Luton Town
It’s particularly frustrating for Traore, who as a more combative midfielder, has seen his game time limited to an average of 32 minutes per game in the league this term, with Doyle able to act as an advanced option if required.
Still, the Mali international has grasped his opportunity to impress O’Neil, warranting his high praise for his performances against Luton and Arsenal.
This season, Wolves have seen first-hand just how essential depth in quality within a squad is, with the options in midfield giving the Old Gold some breathing space amid the chaos surrounding other positions throughout the 2023/24 calendar.
