Nuno: Three Lions have a Coadbreaker CONOR’S PERFECT LAST LINE OF DEFENCE FOR SOUTHGATE
Neil Moxley
NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO has backed Conor Coady’s claims to win an England call-up. Wolves’ boss believes the time is right for his skipper to graduate into the Three Lions ranks following his impressive start to the campaign. The former Liverpool trainee has been at the heart of a rearguard at Molineux that boasts one of the meanest defences in the Premier League.
Kingpin
And, after Brighton’s Lewis Dunk was added to Southgate’s squad, following an injury to Burnley’s James Tarkowski, a pathway has opened up. Coady has played for the junior England squads, but with Wolves having conceded the fewest goals outside the top six, questions are being asked as to why the Molineux kingpin is not being considered. Santo (left) said: “I’ve had no contact with Gareth (right), but I think I will, eventually. It is Gareth’s decision, obviously.
“For me, I like Conor’s ability, his voice, the way he sees things – I just like the player. Before we took charge at Wolves, we had seen a lot of games and we made decisions from the beginning.
“From the first day that we started training, it was decided Conor was going to play at the back.
“After that, we had to see if we had received what we expected from him.
“Actually, we made a few of those decisions on the first day. Some were good, some were not so good – but that was a good one.
“It’s worked out, it was maybe lucky and, like I say, we made some others on the first morning that were not so good.”
The careers of both Coady, 25, and Santo have mirrored one another. They are both hurtling upwards at a rate of knots, despite yesterday’s surprise 2-0 home loss to Watford..
Former Valencia and Porto boss Santo is already being eyed for a move after a stellar 16 months at Molineux. But the good news for the fans is that he intends to see out a contract that has another three years to run.
Santo said: “The moment you sign, you are committed. You’re not talking just about me, we are talking here about a lot of people who have responsibilities.
“A lot of people took a big step, moving away from their families – and that includes me – and we expect the same from the other side.
“We are asking for big patience. It takes time to achieve things, but the owners have been supportive. What I signed was important for me. I have a contract and, of course, I will honour it.”
Wolves’ start to the campaign has made one or two sit up and wonder just who it is that Santo is using to get these results – and raised questions over whether his club can retain their services. Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves is the star attraction.
Ambition
Santo believes that, if players keep performing, then football nature will take its own course.
“We have been approached already about a player by a big club,” said Santo. “And the player is still here. Why? Because he wants to be.
“The moment that it feels natural that you cannot stop these things any more, then OK. These things happen.
“But the first thing you have to do is tell the player that this will come naturally in his life, don’t try to rush it. If you rush it, it will be a mistake for you.
“If you want to achieve that, it is normal. Ambition is good and I will support you.
“For you, when you arrive, it is better because then you can go upwards.”