Rob Edwards Signals Increased Role for Wolves Youngsters
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Rob Edwards has indicated that the club's limited squad depth could lead to more playing time for young talents, including Tom Edozie, in the remaining matches of the season. This comes after Edozie's impressive debut, where he scored a late equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
Squad Challenges and Youth Opportunities
Despite having only three first-team players injured—Toti Gomes, Hwang Hee-chan, and Angel Gomes—Wolves face a shortage due to departures during the winter transfer window. The team's relegation to the Championship appears likely, but Edwards has been planning for this scenario, allowing key players like Jorgen Strand Larsen to leave for Crystal Palace in a £47 million deal.
Edwards praised Edozie's performance, noting that the 19-year-old was not expected to play but seized his chance to score a crucial goal. "I was putting my arm round him when he was coming on and I said: 'This could be your moment now, mate. Go and make it happen.' And he did, so I'm really pleased for him," Edwards said.
Future Prospects for Academy Players
Edwards highlighted that the reduced squad size presents an opportunity for younger players to step up. "Obviously, we have a shorter squad now and some of the younger players know this could be their opportunity," he explained. This suggests that Edozie and other academy prospects, such as Mateus Mane, could feature more regularly in upcoming games, including the clash with Crystal Palace.
Reflecting on the team's resilience against Arsenal, Edwards added, "I’m really pleased after going 2-0 down to a team like that to show the character, spirit and fight that we did. I'm really proud of the lads and what they produced. Never gave up - that has got to be a given for us."
As Wolves navigate the end of the season, Edwards' focus on youth development could shape the team's future, offering a silver lining amid their struggles.
