Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has shared an interesting insight into the future of Hugo Bueno at Molineux.
It’s been a thrilling season for Wolves who have taken adversity in their stride, however, not every member of Gary O’Neil’s side has had a memorable campaign.
While a host of the Old Gold’s representatives have had the chance to show their worth in the new manager’s set-up, 21-year-old Hugo Bueno has navigated through a frustrating period over the 2023/24 calendar.
The Spaniard had a significant part to play in Julen Lopetegui’s squad last season but hasn’t been a key part of O’Neil’s side, recording only six Premier League starts compared to the 16 he secured last term.
From injury disrupting his chance to secure minutes this season to the competition levels rising in the team, Bueno hasn’t played as much football as he would’ve hoped however, O’Neil has plenty of faith in the youngster’s future at Molineux.
Gary O’Neil says Hugo Bueno has a future at Wolves
Speaking to the media, the Wolves boss opened up about his full-backs, an area of his formation that has thrived this season.
Bueno’s ‘unfortunate’ campaign was spoken about by O’Neil, who shared his sympathy for the 21-year-old and gave an insight into his future, as per Express and Star.
“Hugo has been unfortunate with injury firstly. When he was doing really well and pushing for starting places and then he suffered an injury, then we used Doc there a little bit and he started to do quite well.
“Then the form of Rayan has obviously been incredible.
“But I rate Hugo highly and when he came on against Nottingham Forest he gave us something.
“He undoubtedly has talent and he’s going to get opportunities. He’ll play a big part and is still an important part of plans.”
Has Hugo Bueno benefitted from the arrival of Gary O’Neil?
The roles seemed to have been reversed between Rayan Ait-Nouri and Bueno, as the Algerian has become O’Neil’s favoured left-back, a player who was an outcast under Lopetegui.
Throughout the season, the 22-year-old has proved how much of a perfect fit his skillset is for the manager’s system, with Ait-Nouri fitting seamlessly into the boss’ set-up playing as a wing-back.
While that’s not to say that Bueno can’t play that role, the Spaniard is not close to usurping his teammate in the starting XI which has subsequently limited his playing time.
After his breakthrough last season, it’s easy to forget that Bueno is just 21 years old with plenty of time to re-assert himself into the favoured XI at Molineux, making O’Neil’s verdict on his future unsurprising.
An injury-free campaign and a strong pre-season will be desired for the young Spaniard, who will be eyeing a positive end to 2023/24 over the remaining three games.