24 y/o Wolves ace could be the key for pushing towards Europe - opinion

Wolves will be looking to win the crucial midfield battle to help their chances of picking up three points tonight, which would massively aid their push for a European spot.

It won’t be straightforward, though, with the likes of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho likely to line up against Arsenal duo Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, with the latter two coming out on top in the reverse fixture despite their side being down to 10 men.

Neves could be the main man tonight for Wolves, with the midfielder previously being linked with a move away from Molineux, highlighting that a lot of other clubs have started noticing his talent in a Wolves side perhaps not expected to challenge for Europe this season.

The battle between Neves and Xhaka is likely to be one that could determine who has the upper hand this evening, so let’s compare the two of them:

After a disappointing season for all involved at Wolves last year, Neves appears to have stepped up his game this term, being more careful with the ball, especially in the final third as he currently boasts his best goals-per-shot conversion record since entering the league with 0.10 (FBRef) and this was on show during Wolves’ latest victory over Leicester City, where Neves had one shot on target, which ended up in the back of the net.

Compared to last season as well, Neves is wanting to get on the ball and make things happen a lot more often, with a 70.8% dribble completion, while he is only one pass behind last season’s tally of three carries into the opposition’s penalty area, so he’s again being a lot braver with the ball.

It’s worth remembering as well that Neves plays in a team that on average see less of the ball than a side like Arsenal.

Very quickly, it’s clear to spot that Xhaka