Former Wolves midfielder Elliott Bennett discusses how he would fare if he was at the peak of his footballing career in the modern-day game.
Team most like to play against | Tottenham Hotspur
I’d probably say Tottenham, mainly because I’d like to play at their new stadium. I’ve never been to their new stadium, but it looks amazing. I did play at White Hart Lane before and the last time I went there was with Norwich back in 2012, we won 2-1 and I scored the winner – so it would be good to have the chance to do that again at their new place! Plus, they always give you a chance of winning with the way they currently play.
Team least like to play against | Liverpool
It’s got to be Liverpool, just because of how good they are right now. Everyone assumed there would be a drop off from Klopp to Slot, and, if anything, they’re more a bit more pragmatic, while retaining the dynamism they had under Klopp. They’re still a mad pressing machine and can keep the ball for longer spells than they did before and once they attack, with the players they’ve got, there’s not really a weakness.
Player most like to face | Kevin De Bruyne
That’s a tough question, but I’d like to have tested myself against is Kevin De Bruyne. I’m not sure how long he’s got left and I know he’s had his injury issues of late, but I think as a midfielder he’s one of the best in that eight position that the Premier League has ever seen. I’m not saying he is the best, but he’s up there in the conversation, and I’d choose him just because I love the way he plays football.
Manager most like to play for | Pep Guardiola
I know Manchester City are having a ‘downturn’ at the moment, but I also can’t see how Pep doesn’t have the skills to turn their fortunes around. Most clubs in the Premier League would be dying to be where they are, but the heights that he’s got his teams to reach and the relentless attitude they’ve got, winning four Premier Leagues in a row had never been done before, Champions League winners – everything about how it looks from the outside, I’d have loved to have him as my manager.
Competition most like to win | Champions League
It would be the Champions League. For me it’s the pinnacle of football, but also the music. It’s such a big thing to me. When I was a kid, I loved putting the TV on and hearing the Champions League music come on. I was obviously never fortunate enough to play in that competition, but I’ve been to watch Champions League games and the hairs on the back of your neck really stick up when that music comes on. Everything about it is special. To be the best team in your country is a massive thing, but to be able to do that on the European stage and be the best team in Europe has got to be the pinnacle.
Stadium most like to play at | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
I mentioned before that I’d love to play at Spurs’ stadium and it’s because it just looks amazing. It’s an example of what modern football stadiums should be. Playing at White Hart Lane was really good, but this new one now is just the next level of arena. It is an arena, rather than just a football stadium.
Aspect most like to have | Modern training grounds
I would say the level of detail that goes into everything behind the scenes at the training grounds. When I played, they were still good training grounds, but now they are amazing.
Aspect least like to have | VAR
VAR is rubbish. If we’re being honest, it’s terrible. For me, it’s ruining the whole spectacle of the game. I love football and I understand that it’s a big business and you don’t want mistakes because they can have a massive impact, but I just feel like people go to a football match to be entertained, and VAR is removing the entertainment. You can go to a game and a goal gets ruled out because of the ball brushing a players’ hand, it’s had no real effect on the game, but because it’s brushed his hand, it’s not a goal. It’s things like that I don’t like. You have young players playing in the Premier League now, a 17/18-year-old making his debut, for example, and he could score a goal which is given, but because of the whole VAR check, there might be a couple of contentious things in there and your celebrations are cut short and you just have to stand there and wait for four or five minutes wondering whether it’s going to get chalked off or not. Before, all the talk used to be about whether decisions were correct or not, and now it’s all about whether VAR is correct, so it’s not even improved decisions, and it’s taken the fun out of football.
This article originally featured in Wolves' official 2024/25 matchday programme. Last season's programmes are still available to purchase online through retailers Curtis Sports.
