Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes started for Brazil in their Copa America clash with Colombia which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Four Wolves players are currently out on international duty, with one of Gary O’Neil’s stars in the United States at Copa America.
Joao Gomes is representing Brazil at the tournament, standing alone as Wolves’ only representative as Dexter Lembikisa was knocked out with Jamaica.
The combative midfielder started for his country in Brazil’s clash with Colombia this week, which ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw.
What Brazilian media had to say about Joao Gomes Copa America display v Colombia
For the third consecutive match at Copa America, Gomes started in midfield for Brazil, who have come under fire for their lacklustre performances so far.
Wednesday’s duel with Colombia was no different, as Dorival Junior’s side were criticised for their display, with Brazilian media putting the midfield under the microscope.
Wolves’ pitbull had a trialling night alongside his teammates, as the Selecao struggled to create, something that was picked up on by media outlet Globo.
Reacting to the draw, the Brazilian website shared commentator Ricardinho’s thoughts, who said:
- “We need a midfielder who can watch the game. Who lets the defence breathe, who is safe, we don’t have that. We’re living in a time of change and we have to understand that. We’re no longer the protagonists. Today, we play to mark and counterattack.”
At Wolves, Gomes certainly fits such description however, newspaper Zero Hora blasted the 23-year-old for his ‘inconsistent’ showing, handing him a 5.5/10 rating.
- “He competed as the game demanded, but was inconsistent in marking the Colombian midfielders. Rating 5.5”
Outlet O Globo also commented on the Wolves star’s performance, calling him out alongside his midfield counterpart Bruno Guimaraes.
- “Dorival took a long time to replace players who accumulated errors, such as Joao Gomes and Bruno Guimaraes. Weakened in the middle, Brazil’s defence was exposed and its offence lacked creativity, especially in the second half.”
How did Joao Gomes play against Colombia?
The criticism from Brazilian media surrounds the lack of creativity in midfield to generate positive passages of play, something so identifiable in Brazil’s squads over the years.
While Gomes’ style of play doesn’t revolve around his requirement to act as a playmaker, the Wolves star is being branded as one of those failing to deliver.
| Joao Gomes performance in numbers v Colombia |
| 73 minutes played |
| 44 touches |
| 84% passing accuracy |
| 0/3 long balls completed |
| 3/8 duel wins |
| 2 x dribbled past |
| 1 foul |
| 1 yellow card |
| 0 key passes |
Statistically, it wasn’t the 23-year-old’s worst game, however, he was needlessly booked for a challenge, something fans at Molineux are familiar with seeing.
It will be interesting to see how far Brazil go at the Copa America, and if the Wolves ace will continue to start ahead of former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.