Joe Mason today hailed the contribution of Wolves forward colleague Jon Dadi Bodvarsson after a promising start to the team’s season.
Mason has notched twice in his first six outings for Wolves this season, and has produced an impressive all-round contribution as part of a positive start to the Walter Zenga era.
The 25-year-old is pleased with his efforts so far and has highlighted the impact of Zenga, as well as the benefit of being able to use Bodvarsson – who played the full game as Iceland drew 1-1 with Ukraine last night – as an effective foil.
“It has been a good start,” he says.
“The new gaffer has come in and there have been a lot of changes with new players arriving.
“Sometimes it can be difficult in those situations but I think the squad has gelled really well early doors.
“Individually I have been pleased with my start.
“I have got a few goals and now we have had this spell without a fixture I am ready to kick on in this next batch of games.
“I feel confident and settled at the moment.
“I think the system we are playing this season has helped me.
“I am not on my own as much up front and have got players in and around me and that suits my game more because I am not the most physical.
“I like to get on the ball and make things happen.
“I think that has been the main change for me, the system we are playing.”
Mason continues: “Playing alongside Jon has helped me.
“I have always played my best football alongside a bigger and more physical striker.
“I know the club were trying to bring someone in last season but through no fault of anyone’s it didn’t quite happen.
“Jon has come in and added that straightaway and the fans love him already!
“He is a good player and also a good guy in the changing rooms as well.
“He has settled so quickly, he’s only been here a few weeks and it feels like he has been here for years.
“He has done really well and not only helped me but more importantly helped the team and made a great start.
“I am looking forward to continuing to play alongside him although the competition for places up front is going to get fierce, that’s for sure.
“And I think the good thing is that we are all different types of players as well – we are not necessarily all similar.”
Mason acknowledges he could have had more than the two goals so far, particularly when one was controversially chalked off at Huddersfield, but is certainly enjoying playing under the new Head Coach.
“I should have got more goals so far,” he insists.
“I feel like I am going to get chances now and it is up to me to make sure I take them.
“I looked back at the Huddersfield one and I think that was onside as well but hopefully the next decision will go our way.
“I am certainly enjoying my football and the gaffer has been brilliant for me.
“He is very passionate and his attention to detail is spot on.
“Coming into the Championship must be difficult but he has a really good grasp of what it is about.
“So far that is showing with our results on the pitch.”
Wolves will return after the international break with back-to-back home fixtures against Burton Albion on Saturday (3pm) and Barnsley on Tuesday (7.45pm).
As ever the team will be looking to pick up crucial points, especially on home soil, but Mason knows there are never any guarantees in the ever-competitive Sky Bet Championship.
“It is a good chance for us to try and get some points but we have to make that happen,” he added.
“I have seen Burton on TV a few times – they are doing very well and I think they are going to surprise a lot of people.
“They have got a very good manager and an honest bunch of players and in this league you can’t afford to take any game lightly.
“Equally you usually expect to get the majority of points from your home games and get the fans right behind you so we want to get good results at home.
“We are also keen to get another win after the frustration of the Huddersfield game.
“It was a shame because we had started the season so well and then lost the last game before the international break.
“In the second half I thought we were quite dominant and had a lot of chances but just couldn’t put them away.
“In football it then all becomes about the next game and trying to put things right.
“We know how tough this division is but we feel we are more than a match for anyone and have shown what we can do without maybe putting it together for the whole 90 minutes.
“That is what we are aiming for now and if we can do that we will be a force in the Championship.”
