Don Goodman: Wolves ‘best ever in Championship’

Nuno Espirito Santo’s league-leaders have not won any of their last three games, and they were robbed of the opportunity to get back to winning ways at the weekend when their match with Reading was postponed.

But even though Wolves would have to win 11 of their last 12 games to match Reading’s record tally of 106 points, Goodman believes they are still the best the league has seen.

“I’m not being complacent,” said the former striker. “I just think they’re the best team in the league by a very long way, and I’ve seen every team play. Because of that and the cushion to third place that they have already I’m sitting relatively comfortable. I’d go as far as to say this Wolves team is possibly the best team I’ve ever seen in the Championship.

“I want them to go on and break records, that’s what I want them to do. There are one or two records out there. The Reading points tally was definitely on but this blip has made it a lot harder.”

Leo Bonatini hasn’t scored this year, and there have been a few calls for Benik Afobe to be handed his first start since his return in January.

“Bonatini didn’t really offer a lot against Fulham if I’m honest, but it was a difficult game,” said Goodman. “Fulham bossed it in most ways really. We’ve got a hungry Benik Afobe wanting to start a game. It wouldn’t be the worse move in the world.

“But the manager sees them every day in training. He’s got his philosophy, his team shape, it shouldn’t matter whether it’s Afobe or someone else.”

One player who continues to impress is Ruben Neves, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United.

But Goodman reckons the lure of guaranteed first-team football will encourage him to stay for at least another season.

“There are positives and negatives to having a super agent with strong links to your football club,” he said. “One of the positives is that Ruben Neves and all the players that Jorge Mendes has brought in have bought into a long term vision for Wolves.

“Hypothetically, were he to go to Man Utd would he be playing week in week out? I’d be wanting to be playing week in week out. It’s exciting times at Wolves. Let’s assume they complete the job, the summer is going to be a fascinating time. I believe this squad is already good enough to be halfway up the Premier League as it stands. If the team is strengthened, they can aim for a top-half finish next season. Not many clubs that get promoted can say that.”