In profile: Wolves' young super six on Switzerland tour
A number of relatively unknown youngsters have been given the chance of a lifetime to impress Nuno Espirito Santo on Wolves' pre-season tour of Switzerland.
With a string of senior players absent, six young starlets from Wolves' Under-23 and Under-18 squads have earned a spot in the squad and could feature in games against Basel and Young Boys this week.
But what do we know about the sextet? Wolves correspondent Tim Spiers profiles the potential future Wolves stars.
Andreas Sondergaard
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 17
Nationality: Danish
With Rui Patricio on his holibobs after the World Cup, Harry Burgoyne on loan with Plymouth Argyle and Jon Flatt having been released, 6ft 2in teenager Andreas Sondergaard has got the nod over Jack Ruddy to be the third keeper on tour (along with usual suspects John Ruddy and Will Norris).
Sondergaard joined Wolves in January from Danish club Odense Boldklub for a reported £400,000 and is one of the highest rated young keepers in Denmark.
He's featured for their Under-17 national side, including in last year's Uefa Euro U17 Championship qualifiers.
Odense have a tradition of developing young goalkeepers – as do Wolves of course – with ex-Man United stopper Anders Lindegaard hailing from the same club.
Sporting director Kevin Thelwell said of Sondergaard when he signed seven months ago, penning a two and a half year deal: "He's a very tall boy and he’s going to develop all of the physical attributes to become a top goalkeeper and he's technically excellent.
"We hope the attributes are going to stand him in good stead for a positive future at the club."
Cameron John
Position: Centre back/left back
Age: 18
Nationality: English
John is one of the most talked about players in the under-23 setup and was reportedly scouted by a number of Premier League clubs last season.
The left-footed defender, like Dominic Iorfa, started life with Southend's youth academy before making the switch to Compton Park aged 15.
He played the bulk of the games last season for Scott Sellars' under-23 side and Wolves were keen to get the youngster out on loan in January.
That never materialised but now would appear to be an opportune moment for John to spread his wings and experience some first team football.
First though he has the opportunity to impress Nuno and perhaps get some game time with the first team.
Pedro Goncalves
Position: Central midfield
Age: 20
Nationality: Portuguese
Classy central midfielder in the Ruben Neves mould who has gained international recognition with Portugal Under-20s.
Goncalves joined Wolves last summer on a free transfer after leaving Valencia and learned the ropes of junior English football with Sellars and the under-23s last season, with the highlight being a stunning 25-yard strike against West Brom at Molineux.
Of the current crop of youngsters it's though Goncalves has the best chance of any of progressing to the senior ranks at Molineux.
Sellars said of him last year: “From day one you could see he’s a good player.
“He’s very good technically, has good game knowledge and understanding. His challenge has been physically adapting, which is new for him.
“He’s got a good attitude, works hard and has shown some real quality. His goal against West Brom stands out.
“He’s similar to Ruben Neves in style, he’s a passer and he’s composed, he doesn’t panic. He’s got to adapt to a different style sometimes but it’s something we’ll work on."
With Wolves currently short in central midfield owing to Alfred N'Diaye's departure, Goncalves has a window of opportunity to impress.
Elliot Watt
Position: Central midfield
Age: 18
Nationality: Scottish
A spot on Wolves' pre-season tour caps a superb last eight months for Scottish youngster Watt, who penned professional terms with Wolves last November and was called up to Scotland's Under-21 squad for the first time in May for the prestigious Toulon Tournament.
The 18-year-old central midfielder was born in Preston and began his fledgling career with the Deepdale club before moving to Wolves aged 2016.
Watt is contracted to Molineux until 2020 and if nothing else he doesn't mind a sing-song.
He told the Daily Record of his initiation ceremony with the Wolves squad: "I had to sing in front of the first-team squad. I sang ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ by Oasis and, I’m not going to lie, I was brilliant...
"I love my Oasis so I got right into it. I was one of the first to get up but I was shaking beforehand.
"Once I got going I was fine. There were a few times when I thought ‘what are you doing?’ until Paul Lambert eventually put a stop to it."
As with Goncalves, a dearth of senior central midfielders has given Watt a chance to show what he can do.
Some Might Say he's got to Listen Up and Go Let It Out.
Ryan Giles
Position: Winger
Age: 18
Nationality: English
Like his team mate Watt, Giles is on a high following his superb end to 2017/18.
The left-footed 18-year-old was loaned out to hometown club AFC Telford – then managed by Rob Edwards (now back with Wolves as under-23 boss) and enjoyed a stellar spell, proving instrumental in sealing National League North survival for the Bucks by providing seven assists and two goals in two months.
He then ended the campaign by being named as Wolves' academy player of the season.
The quick, strong and fearless left winger may be utlised as a left wing back during the tour. Wolves are short in that position with Ruben Vinagre having been given extra time off following his international exertions for Portugal Under-19s this summer.
But wherever he plays he'll be keen to impress – and certainly looks like one to watch.
Thelwell said of Giles two months ago: "Ryan is a very exciting talent. He is a natural left-footer and there are not many of those about.
"He has got the ability to get you off your seat.”
Benny Ashley-Seal
Position: Striker
Age: 19
Nationality: English
One that went under the radar last season after signing in October, penning a deal until 2020.
The striker was a free agent having turned down terms to go professional with Norwich City. He went on trial with Chelsea before agreeing terms with Wolves, although they had to pay the Canaries compensation for his services.
The starlet impressed many scouts in 2016/17 in both the Premier League International Cup and League Cup semi-final and was also linked with Leicester City.
Ashley-Seal joined Norwich from Arsenal as a 14-year-old and fast emerged as one of their academy’s brightest talents - topping the goalscoring charts for various age groups.
His potential was underlined during an Under-16’s clash against Tottenham when he grabbed all of Norwich’s goals in a 6-1 win.
The centre forward can also play on the right wing.
