OPINION
Wolverhampton Wanderers have made a promising start to the Premier League season, drawing two and winning one of their opening four clashes.
That is not a bad statistic upon their return to the top flight, but it is vital that the team and their fans do not get too carried away with their recent success.
Any side who have just been promoted to the Premier League undoubtedly have avoiding relegation as one of their top priorities, and Wolves should be no different.
Boss Nuno Espirito Santo has made a number of stellar signings this summer, but one player who could make a crucial contribution towards their league survival is loan signing Jonny Castro.
The 24-year-old joined on loan from La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid earlier this summer, replacing Barry Douglas, the 2017-18 assist king who had been Nuno’s first choice left-back.
Filling the boots of who was a mainstay in the Wolves team is undoubtedly a big ask for a player not used to the demands of playing in the Premier League, but Castro has gone beyond expectations in the way he has adapted to the role.
Nuno usually employs a 5-4-1 tactical system in matches, which places an emphasis on full-backs being able to surge forward and attack, whilst also being quick enough to recover and come back into position to form a solid defensive block.
The young enforcer is known for being an attacking player during his time at Celta Vigo, which impressed Atletico Madrid so much, that they decided to sign him last summer.
Castro will be vital to not only Wolves’ preserving their top-flight status, especially considering he is versatile and can provide a genuine attacking threat, but also securing what now looks a highly achievable top-10 finish.
When Douglas departed for Leeds, the Midlands club needed to find themselves a younger, but suitable replacement – and now that he has starred in all four of their first games, it is clear that he will be crucial to their success this season.
They may have only landed him on a temporary basis – but they must make the most of him while they can in this campaign.