Wolves have been told what the ‘most exciting’ thing is about one of Gary O’Neil’s stars who shone on the international break.
Gary O’Neil will be glad to have his Wolves side back without any injury scares from the international break, with Aston Villa next up for the Old Gold to battle.
The Premier League returns for the run-in to the end of the season on Saturday evening, as O’Neil’s side travel to Villa Park to duel with their Midlands rivals for three points.
It’s set to be an exciting affair and one that has been long-awaited following the break in play, with a number of Wolves’ stars impressing on international duty.
One of the key figures from the squad who was particularly strong for his country during the break was Joao Gomes, who was handed his first two caps for Brazil, starting against both England and Spain.
Wolves told of the ‘most exciting’ thing about Joao Gomes
The talk of the international stage at Molineux was Gomes’ inclusion in Brazil’s two high-profile friendlies, as the 23-year-old started both at Wembley and the Bernabeu.
Against England, the midfielder was in the spotlight, seeing his display praised heavily before he featured for 45 minutes against Spain in Madrid.
One figure that was particularly impressed by the Wolves dynamo’s performance level on international duty was journalist Liam Keen, who lauded the Brazilian on Episode 333 of the E&S Wolves Podcast.
“It’s important to remember that he started both of those friendlies [for Brazil] ahead of someone like Douglas Luiz.”
“Joao Gomes starting ahead of him is really quite big. I’m delighted for him, he’s a really important player who I hope will continue to get better.”
Prior to touching on the international break, Keen mentioned what he believes is the “most exciting” thing about Wolves’ 23-year-old sensation in reference to his progression.
“I think he’s a magnificent player. There’s still a ceiling he hasn’t reached which is the most exciting thing about Joao Gomes.”
Joao Gomes has turned his season around at Wolves
When Gomes arrived in January 2023 from Flamengo, the youngster made it clear that Wolves were right to have spent £15m to acquire him.
The Brazilian showed a fearless and combative streak in the engine room in Julen Lopetegui’s squad however, under O’Neil the £10k-a-week midfielder suffered a dip in form earlier this season.
As a result of his slight drop in performance levels, the manager hooked him out of the starting XI momentarily, where he has since shown his worth to once again become one of Wolves’ driving forces in midfield.
At just 23, the Old Gold secured a bargain in Gomes, who looks like a player born to play in the Premier League, with the hope there that the Brazil international chooses Molineux as the place for him to progress for years to come.
