Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed the appointment of Rob Edwards as their new head coach on a three-and-a-half-year deal, marking a dramatic return to Molineux for the Telford-born manager.
A Seismic Task at Molineux
Edwards, who joins from Championship side Middlesbrough, immediately takes on the seismic task of trying to save Wolves from relegation after a catastrophic start to the season under predecessor Vitor Pereira. The Portuguese coach had previously demonstrated it was possible to lift the club from danger, but Edwards now faces what is arguably a much tougher challenge.
The new boss has the advantage of joining before the November international break, giving him valuable time to assess his squad. However, with the January transfer window offering potential but historically problematic respite, Edwards' immediate focus must be on extracting more from the players already at the club.
Top Performers: Who Can Edwards Rely On?
According to detailed statistical analysis from WhoScored, three players have stood out amidst the team's struggles.
Santiago Bueno emerges as the squad's top performer with an impressive average match rating of 6.8. The defender is the only Wolves player to have received a Man of the Match award this season and has contributed a goal while averaging 2.9 tackles per game.
In second place is left-back Hugo Bueno, who has earned a rating of 6.7. Although yet to register a goal or assist, the Portuguese defender has shown attacking intent, creating an average of 1.3 key passes per match – the highest figure in the entire team.
Completing the top three is summer signing Ladislav Krejcí with a rating of 6.67. The versatile player, who has featured at both centre-back and in midfield, has already contributed one goal and one assist this term.
Concerns: Players Underperforming
The data also highlights three players who have struggled significantly during the opening months of the campaign, based on those with at least 90 minutes of playing time.
Perhaps most concerning is the form of goalkeeper Jose Sa, who ranks as the team's lowest-rated player with a score of just 5.76. The once-reliable Portuguese shot-stopper has conceded 15 goals in just five appearances across all competitions, representing a dramatic dip in form.
Defender Yerson Mosquera follows with a rating of 5.97, having particularly struggled during Vitor Pereira's final match against Fulham where he failed to contain Marco Silva's attackers.
Completing the concerning trio is captain Toti Gomes, who has registered a rating of 6.09. The Portuguese defender's performances have already seen him dropped from the starting lineup on several occasions this season.
As Rob Edwards prepares for his first match against Crystal Palace, these player ratings provide crucial insight into who he can build his survival plan around – and who may need to make way as he attempts to orchestrate a great escape for the Old Gold.
