Liam Keen comment: Fulham draw may provide insight to Wolves future

Some frustration at Molineux came from Wolves’ inability to take their chances and win the game, against a Fulham side that were there for the taking.

The final home game of the season may have given us an insight into what we can expect from Wolves next season, as they aim to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

System

Rob Edwards is still expected to be given the summer and start of next season to lead Wolves’ resurgence.

There has been plenty of debate on whether he will play a back four or back five in the Championship - with a back five preferred since he arrived at Wolves in November in an attempt to remain competitive in games.

But against Fulham the head coach made a tactical adjustment that saw Rodrigo Gomes play a hybrid role.

The versatile wide player started further forward in a 4-2-3-1 and was involved in all of Wolves’ good moments in the final third, while he also swiftly tracked back when Wolves were defending to provide additional cover and make it a back five.

Wolves had more of a front foot approach to the fixture and it meant R.Gomes could be influential in attacking areas, while it also allowed Mateus Mane to play more central behind striker Adam Armstrong.

Although there will be a lot of change among the squad this summer, the system at the weekend could be a look into what the future holds for this team.

Stars

At full-time, a disorganised lap of appreciation from Edwards and some of his players took place, while others clapped the South Bank before leaving the pitch.

Jose Sa and Joao Gomes both took their time to walk around Molineux and wave to the fans, with both players likely to depart in the upcoming transfer window.

Two players that should be here, however, are Mane and R.Gomes.

Edwards has confirmed they will both form part of the squad next season and on the evidence this season - and in particular against Fulham - they should both have key roles.

R.Gomes can play at wing-back or as a winger and brings pace, enthusiasm and a solid work ethic, all of which were displayed at the weekend.

Mane has struggled to find his form in recent weeks but put in a much brighter display that showcased his technical ability with a well-worked goal.

He did give away the penalty for the equaliser, however, showing the improvements he needs to make, while R.Gomes made the occasional error.

Neither player is the finished product and Wolves will have to recruit experience and quality to build a strong squad around them, but the two young players will be crucial to any Wolves success next season.

Work to do

The revelation that there is a ‘possibility’ of Raul Jimenez returning to Wolves as a free agent captured the imagination of supporters following the draw at Molineux.

The former Wolves striker was serenaded by home fans throughout the game as he warmed up and when he was introduced as a substitute by the visitors.

For supporters, it was a chance to recognise the contribution of a cult hero to the club during a time of great success, but it was also a time to reminisce about brighter days in the wake of Wolves’ dreadful season.

The decline of the club is clear to see and it was demonstrated on the field as Jimenez came on to lead the line for Fulham, while Wolves brought on Tolu Arokodare.

The summer signing was brought in for a deal totalling around £23.5million with add-ons and has scored six goals, three of which have come in the Premier League.

His performance off the bench against Fulham was consistent with his level, that does not match top flight football, and the awful recruitment policy of this football club for a number of years.

Arokodare struggled with the basics and is a far cry from the levels Jimenez reached in a Wolves shirt.

Regardless of whether Jimenez returns, Wolves have a lot of work to bring in exciting attacking players and get Wolves firing again in front of goal.