GET THE LOWDOWN ON WOLVES ACADEMY CENTRE BACKS

It’s no secret that Wolves are currently struggling to put together a regular centre back partnership. With Mosquera and new man Meupiyou marred by injury while Toti struggles for fitness and form it will likely come down to Craig Dawson and Santiago Bueno to hold down the fort which could open up a space for one of Wolves’ academy starlets to take a place on the bench. From local lads to new signings, let’s look at the defenders who Gary could turn to in a time of crisis and rank how likely they are to make the side. I’ve marked out 7 players who could fit the criteria:

7. Saheed Olagunju

Starting with the least likely of the lot, Saheed Olagunju arrived on deadline day from Chelsea. Saheed made his Wolves U18 debut recently in a match against Derby in a 2-1 loss, but the 17-year-old was also away on international duty during the last break from domestic football which speaks to the quality the young defender has. Olagunju probably won’t reach the Premier League this season but in a few years time he’ll certainly hoped to have edged closer to England’s top flight. For now, I would expect Saheed to settle into the U18 back line for the remainder of the season.

6. Filozofe Mabete

One name that may fly under the radar during this period is Filozofe Mabete. The former England U15 man turned DR Congo top prospect has been Mr. Consistent for the youth sides over the last few seasons. He’s rarely a name mentioned when discussing Wolves’ best young players, but you also don’t often see him put in any bad performances. Mabete has often struggled with being behind a few other U21 defenders which has made it difficult for him to play regularly in the PL2. Last season Mabete only made 7 appearances in the competition with only one of those resulting in a full 90 minutes. I think there will be a few names ahead of Mabete to fill the first team void, but a position could open up in the U21 games for him should one of the other centre backs be called into first-team responsibilities possibly as soon as Thursday’s game with AS Monaco.

5. Temple Ojinnaka

Ojinnaka donned the captain’s armband for the opening PL2 fixture of the season away at Nottingham Forest, where he played the full 90 minutes. The Italian midfielder turned centre back might be a good option for his versatility, providing not just a defensive option but an alternative in the midfield should he be called upon. Ojinnaka did make the bench against Arsenal at home last season so he’s clearly a player on Gary O’Neil’s radar. That would’ve been a massive achievement for Temple but I’m sure he would love to go one step further and make a first-team debut in old gold and black.

4. Hayden Carson

The son of Manchester City goalkeeper Scott Carson, Hayden was one half of an incredible defensive partnership for the U18s last season alongside Caden Voice. So trusted were the pair that Hayden even bagged himself the captaincy of the U18s for the latter half of the campaign. Sadly for Hayden, he’s struggled to find opportunities in the U21s this season with only a Premier League Cup and a minute of EFL Trophy action so far. It is unlikely Carson will make a Premier League debut before a Premier League 2 debut, but versatility again works in Carson’s favor. The defender is also a capable left-back when called upon but regular U21 football needs to be the current focus for the 18-year-old.

3. Justin Hubner

If a first-team opportunity is going to come for Justin Hubner it needs to come soon. The 21-year-old’s contract expires at the conclusion of this season and while he continues to become a big name in Indonesian football, his domestic opportunities have been harder to find. It looked like Hubner may find himself spending the season with IFK Norrkoping in the Swedish top flight but a loan move ever materialised. Hubner remains at Wolves but has played more minutes for the Indonesian national team than the U21s this season, with only 45 minutes against Arsenal so far. Hubner is another player who can act as a makeshift LB but what puts him above the rest of this list for me is his senior experience. Not only has Justin Hubner played international football but he also garnered 8 senior appearances for Japanese outfit Cerezo Osaka last season which may give him an edge over some of the other alternatives so far.

2. Caden Voice

Anyone who has been following the U21s this season will be very familiar with the name Caden Voice. Formidable at U18 level last season, he has translated that form to the next age group up with ease. A regular name on the team sheet for James Collins, Voice grabbed a goal and an assist last time out and he also scored on the opening game of the season for the U18s. There is no doubt some very high hopes for the England U18 international around Compton but at just 18 he has plenty of time to make the next step up to senior football. Despite his age, it will be hard for O’Neil to ignore his form if he does have to call up one of Wolves’ young defenders.

1. Alfie Pond

I’m slightly cheating here, as O’Neil has already shown he is happy to turn to Pond if necessary, having done so against Brighton in the Carabao Cup. Make no mistake though, Pond’s first start for Wolves was absolutely warranted. Pond has continued to showcase his defensive acumen this season just as he did the last. Many would have been disheartened after an underwhelming loan spell like Pond’s at Stockport County, but the defender bounced back to finish season in fine form for the U21s even wearing the captain’s armband and thriving with the responsibility it bought with it. Alfie has played senior football for five different senior teams including Wolves at just the age of 20 and it shows. Pond’s exposure to non-league and EFL football at such a young age has meant that Alfie has no problem with the physicality senior football brings with it. We’re likely to see more of Alfie for Wolves this season and it would be hard to argue the former Exeter man hasn’t earned it.