The 2023/24 is drawing to a close, and what a season it has been for Wolves following the chaos of last summer.
Supporters were left fearing the worst when news dropped that Julen Lopetegui had walked out on the club just days before the new season started.
The Spaniard left after growing frustrated with the club’s financial situation. He apparently did not leave because he didn’t believe in the players he had though, according to journalist Guillem Balague. It was because the club ‘moved the goalposts’ on him.
Gary O’Neil was brought in as his replacement, and it’s safe to say the appointment didn’t strike a chord with everybody.
But the Englishman quickly got everybody on board, and he has guided Wolves to a safe mid-table finish, exceeding expectations.
Many players have been brilliant this term, and there have been a few who probably haven’t quite gotten the credit they should. But there has been one true unsung hero this season, and he deserves his flowers…
Toti Gomes has enjoyed his most impactful season yet at Wolves
In the first few weeks of the season, O’Neil was struggling for results.
There were very positive signings, considering he had only just come in, and supporters were starting to feel a bit more optimistic.
But as far as getting points on the board was concerned, it wasn’t happening for Wolves, who won just one of their first six Premier League games, losing four and drawing one.
Then Manchester City came to Molineux on September 30 – and this game would prove to be the turning point for Wolves, and the catalyst for their season.
After going with a back four for the first six games, O’Neil decided to change things up and throw Toti Gomes into the backline while deploying wing-backs.
He had a great game, keeping Phil Foden particularly quiet, and Wanderers ran out 2-1 winners. Toti, key in that victory, would then keep his starting berth.
The £25,000-a-week man nailed down his place on the left of a three, and operated more as a left-back when Wolves were in possession with Rayan Ait-Nouri bombing on ahead of him. The 25-year-old put in a string of solid displays after his first appearance against City, and it became clear Wolves were a better team with him in the starting XI.
O’Neil has shown unwavering faith in him since the City game, with Toti playing 3225 minutes in total. Only Max Kilman, Jose Sa and Nelson Semedo have played more.
His rise has been acknowledged by the club when they handed him a new contract back in February. He was also handed his first cap for Portugal by Roberto Martinez, who is said to seriously rate the player.
Why defender Toti is Wolves’ biggest unsung hero this season
Compared to a lot of the other players in the Wolves squad, Toti is still rather ‘unsung’.
There is perhaps a case to be made for Nelson Semedo, who has genuinely had a really great season and, like Toti, probably hasn’t received the same level of attention as others.
But Toti was absolutely paramount to Wolves’ change in fortunes earlier in the season, and he allowed the system change to actually work.
Ultimately, Toti – previously branded ‘excellent’ by Conor Coady – just does a solid job pretty much every game. Yes, he can still improve with his ball-playing, but the former Estoril man is a brilliant out-and-out defender, who is strong in the tackle and very good in the air. He also has the athleticism that his defensive colleagues do not.
We’ve also seen some technical ability from the big man this season, with his assist for Hwang Hee-chan’s goal against Newcastle at Molineux especially impressive.
It’s difficult to see how there can be a bigger unsung hero of the season than him, considering his impact on the team and the lack of attention he’s had in comparison to others.
