Wolves blog: Rating the attacking players at Molineux

This first blog will take a look at the attacking players in the team. The designated ‘forward’ players struggled for goals for Wolves this season, but wingers have been included in this blog because of the formation Wolves play, writes Tom Tracey.

Jordan Graham

Returned at the end of the season and looked like he is still as good as he was before his long-term injury.

Full of tricks and dribbling ability, he provided the final assist of the season in the first minute against Preston.

He will certainly be a big player for Wolves next season, even more so if Helder Costa leaves.

Grade - B

Jed Wallace

Played a part in the early stages of the season under Walter Zenga, including a solid performance in a strong second half comeback in the 3-1 win over Birmingham at St Andrew’s.

However, he lost his place and there is unlikely to be room for him in the squad now his loan at Millwall has finished, and he is likely to sign for them on a permanent deal.

Grade - C

Ola John

A bewildering signing in hindsight, who made just two league substitute appearances before he was moved on within the Mendes network to another of his clubs, Deportivo.

The less said, the better.

Grade - F

Helder Costa

Was eased in slowly by Walter Zenga before fast becoming Wolves’ key player.

He took over penalty duties, missing only one, but all of his other goals ranged between sublime and remarkable.

He showed he can do it on the big stage, with a fantastic performance at Anfield in Wolves’ win over Liverpool.

Wolves’ record signing and top goalscorer mopped up at the end of season award ceremony, and if Wolves can keep hold of him it will be a big statement of intent next season.

Grade - A

Ivan Cavaleiro

He was signed on deadline day last summer as Wolves’ record signing, before being overtaken by Costa.

When him and Costa played together, Wolves looked an altogether different team with opposition unable to cover both Portuguese wingers.

He had a decent return of five goals and five assists, but his performances and appearances were extremely inconsistent.

His season ended with a red card at Derby, and if Helder Costa leaves Wolves we may also see the back of Cav.

If they both stay, a full season for Cavaleiro could see Wolves get the best out of him.

Grade - C

Andi Weimann

A solid player who was Paul Lambert’s first signing.

His no-look goal against Liverpool was one of the moments of the season, and for £1.5 million a permanent deal seems a no-brainer.

Whether he has the quality to be a starting player if Wolves have top-six ambitions is questionable, but as a squad player he brings work rate and good finishing ability.

Grade - B

Ben Marshall

He is probably the best deliverer of the ball at the club.

His main hindrance is his lack of pace, but he is versatile and good enough to play for a top six Championship side.

He will be an important player for Wolves next season.

Grade - B

Nouha Dicko

Returned from a lengthy injury and struggled for large parts of the season.

He managed three goals over the campaign, but you would hope after a full pre-season he will be ready to return to his good goalscoring form over the first 18 months of his Wolves career.

His goal against Leeds reminded of the Dicko of old, showing all his past attributes are not lost.

Grade - C

Joe Mason

Injuries hampered Mason’s season, after a solid start, including a wonderful curled finish at St Andrew’s.

Despite a lack of physicality in his game, he has decent technical ability and is a useful player to play behind the striker.

If he stays fit, you could expect ten goals a season from him.

Grade - C

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson

Another forward who struggled with scoring.

He started very brightly, scoring a rocket into the roof of the net at Rotherham, but he has played football without a break for a very long time.

His season petered out as he was increasingly used from the bench.

He is certainly worth another season, as he is a battler and puts his body on the line for his team.

When Wolves win, the Icelandic Clap gives an extra edge to the post-match celebrations.

Grade – C

Paul Gladon

Like Ola John, a bemusing signing who joined in last summer’s whirlwind of transfers.

Unlike Ola John, he actually started one game for Wolves, with another appearance from the bench.

His highlight was a hat-trick for the Under 23 team, but he never came close to playing for Wolves once Lambert was in charge.

No doubt he will return to The Netherlands.

Grade - F

Bright Enobakhare

Physically imposing and great with the ball, it appears he has everything in his game – except for finishing.

If he can improve his finishing, he would be worthy of a starting place in every Wolves line-up.

Paul Lambert described him as a huge talent, and he is probably best staying at Wolves rather than going out on loan to ensure he stays on track.

Grade - B

Donovan Wilson

His goalscoring record for the Under-23 team led to two substitute appearances for Wilson, one against Chelsea and one against Brighton.

One of a number of youth players who made their Wolves debut this season, so the signs are positive.

Grade - C