Dominic Iorfa believes this season has been another important “learning curve” as he looks to get better and better in the Wolves defence.
In just over a year-and-a-half since breaking into the Wolves’ first team, the 20-year-old defender has amassed 68 senior appearances, and was the team’s most used player during the 2015/16 campaign just completed.
Both Iorfa and Wolves team-mate Kortney Hause are now with the England-Under-21 squad for the forthcoming Toulon tournament taking place over the next fortnight.
“It is another season I have enjoyed and I have managed to play a lot of games,” says Iorfa.
“It has been another good learning curve.
“Performance wise it has probably been a mixed season for me and the team.
“There have been some promising performances and then some other things to learn frDimom.
“Our form has been a bit inconsistent and we have also suffered from a lot of injuries which hasn’t helped the season.
“What it has done is given younger players an opportunity and that could help us in the long run as it is giving them experience at a high level.
“For me it is a lot more games under my belt which will help my development and I am just happy that the gaffer thinks I deserve my place in the team and is giving me the opportunity.
“Again it can only help me in the long term.”
In terms of experience, does Iorfa now feel different to the player who first broke into the Wolves team – after a previous loan at Shrewsbury – back in December, 2014.
“It isn’t really something you stop and think about to be honest,” he said.
“When someone told me I had made my 50th appearance for the club I hadn’t even realised it was that many.
“It has all gone so quickly and all the time I have been picking up experience without really knowing it which can only help me and the team.
“I am lucky to have played so many games this season and just want to push on again next time.
“It has been a learning experience for everyone this season.
“There are a lot of good players here and we all want to be challenging higher up the table.”
A centre back coming through the ranks, Iorfa had made all of his senior appearances as a right back until being moved back inside for three of the final five matches this season.
Like any player, he is happy playing wherever he is put, but admits it was nice to revert to his more customary position in those final games.
“That was enjoyable to play there a few times at the end of the season – it has been a while!” he added.
“It was always my position growing up and playing in the youth team and Under-21s but since I have been in the first team it had always been at right back.
“Some of the lads in the team that have joined more recently didn’t even know that I had played so much at centre back.
“I enjoyed being back there and it was good to play in that position again.
“Having grown up and played so much as a centre back it is probably a position I know more and feel more comfortable in.
“I have enjoyed right back as well and that has been a position where I have adapted and been learning about it every day.
“I think every player will tell you that they just want to play in the team, whatever the position.
“And the main thing for me at my age is to be playing games and picking up experience.”
And experience will be on the agenda again over the coming days with Iorfa and Hause building on last year’s appearance in the Under-20 Toulon tournament by making the squad for the Under-21s.
England take on Guinea (May 23), Paraguay (May 25) and Japan (May 27) in their group games with the aim to make progress by finishing in the top two.
Iorfa has been a regular in the England Under-21 set up this season, and also had a day’s training with the senior squad when called in during one get-together at St George’s Park.
“That is a really good memory from this season and was an unreal experience to train with the senior squad for a day,” he recalls.
“It was something I will never forget.
“It has been good to get involved with the Under-21s this season and I am looking forward to the tournament in Toulon.
“It is always important to test yourself against different players and other countries.
“It gives you different challenges to face.
“Going to the Under-20s tournament last summer was a good experience and this is another one to look forward to.
“Although it has been a long, hard season you are always keen to represent your country and with the tournament coming so close to the end of the season we should all be feeling ready.”
