Life after Craig Dawson: Wolves’ Succession Plan for Their Defensive Linchpin
Introduction:
Craig Dawson, the veteran central defender for Wolverhampton Wanderers, turns 34 today. While he may have aspirations to continue playing in the Premier League, his age raises concerns about his long-term reliability as the linchpin of Wolves’ defense. Recent matches without Dawson have provided a glimpse of what the future might hold for the team, and it hasn’t been promising. Saturday’s 5-1 defeat to Manchester City highlighted the urgent need for a succession plan.
The Impact of Dawson on Wolves’ Performance:
Since joining Wolves from West Ham United in January 2020, Dawson has been a key player in 42 league games. Comparatively, in the 12 games without him, Wolves’ performance suffers significantly. With Dawson starting, they concede an average of 1.5 goals, earn 1.4 points per game, and have a win rate of 40%. Without him, these numbers increase to 2.2 goals conceded, 0.9 points per game, and a win rate of only 25%. While these statistics are not the sole determinant of a player’s impact, they do highlight Dawson’s integral role in Wolves’ success under managers Julen Lopetegui and Gary O’Neil.
The Need for a Succession Plan:
Replacing Dawson successfully over the next few seasons is crucial for Wolves’ continued improvement. The decline in Dawson’s form or physical output cannot be ignored, and the team must plan accordingly. O’Neil acknowledges that the recent heavy defeat to Manchester City was due to multiple errors made by the team. However, it is impossible to overlook how effectively Dawson nullified City’s Erling Haaland in a previous fixture. Without Dawson, Wolves struggled to contain Haaland, emphasizing the need for a capable replacement.
Identifying Potential Replacements:
Wolves currently lack a player capable of assuming the physical presence and defensive prowess that Dawson provides. While Max Kilman shows promise, he struggles when tasked with Dawson’s responsibilities. Santiago Bueno has made positive strides in his first Premier League season, but it remains uncertain if he is ready to be the team’s defensive muscle full-time. Another option is Yerson Mosquera, who is set to return from loan at Villarreal. However, it is unclear if he is prepared to become a key starter. Wolves could also consider resurrecting their interest in Nico Elvedi from Borussia Monchengladbach, given his reported release clause.
Planning for the Future:
While Wolves will likely rely on Dawson for at least one more season, it is essential to start planning for a future without him. The team must identify and secure a suitable replacement to ensure continued success. With the right player alongside Kilman, Wolves have the potential to maintain their Premier League status. However, failing to address this issue could hinder their progress.
Conclusion:
As Craig Dawson celebrates his 34th birthday, Wolverhampton Wanderers must confront the reality that they need a succession plan for their defensive linchpin. Dawson’s significance to the team’s success is evident in their performance statistics. The recent defeat to Manchester City without Dawson highlights the urgent need for a capable replacement. While short-term solutions may involve relying on Dawson for another season, Wolves must prioritize finding a long-term successor to ensure their continued improvement in the Premier League.