Although Wolves currently sit seventh in the Premier League in their first season back in the top-flight for six years, the skipper also believes the team still has more to learn, despite their performances so far this campaign.
Heading into Sunday’s match with Chelsea, the 26-year-old spoke about Matt Doherty’s rise from League One to Premier League, what young footballers can learn from Ruben Neves, why he’d like Raul Jimenez to remain at Wolves, and how he could possibly win a race with Adama Traore.
On Matt Doherty
“He’s sensational. He’s been fantastic this season and he was last year as well. I believe that as the club’s grown, he’s grown with the club.
“We all knew how well he would adapt to the Premier League. He’s a fantastic footballer, he’s willing to learn every single day, and you see his stats regarding how well he’s played in the Premier League and it’s nothing more than he deserves, because he’s a top lad as well.
“With ‘Doc’ he’s been here for many years, he’s experienced the League One days, the Championship days, and obviously in the Premier League now, but I think how he’s adapted to the top-flight has been fantastic.”
On Ruben Neves
“He’s an amazing footballer. I think for any young lad who’s looking to do well in the game, you need to look at someone like Ruben, who came over when he was 21 to play in the Championship.
“He was playing for Porto, he was their captain in the Champions League – which is incredible – but for his learning, for him to come and play in the Championship and help get us out of that league is important.
“Any young player coming through should look at someone like him and follow what he’s done in his career.”
On Raul Jimenez
“He’s such a huge presence in the changing room. We all see what he does at the training ground and on the pitch on a matchday, but the amount he brings to the football club in general is fantastic.
“He’s fantastic for the changing room and it’s like he’s been at the football club for many years, so I think it’s important that we try to keep him.
“But at the end of the day, it’s down to him and it’s down to the two clubs coming to a decision, but we love having him here.
“We’re quite a close group, and Raul is really good friends with Jonny, with them both coming in at the same time, and it feels like both of them have been here for quite a few years.”
On Adama Traore
“He’s unbelievable. The quickest player I’ve ever played against, in terms of before he came to the club. He runs through you, he runs past you, he runs around you; he’s so tough.
“If I had a 40-yard race against him, I’d need a 30-yard head start to stand a chance!
“Training with him every single day, looking at his power and the way he goes past people; he’s so hard to defend against. He’s so powerful and brings so much to our football club.
“He was absolutely fantastic when he played last weekend against Cardiff. He gets us out of pressure by driving at the defenders and getting us up the pitch, so having him here is really good for everyone.”
