Matt Hobbs has suggested that Pedro Neto has developed into a better leader at Wolves following the exit of Ruben Neves in the summer.
Fans were pained to see Neves depart Molineux after a six-year stay.
Many did expect him to leave, but it still hit hard all the same.
Few saw Neves’ actual next destination coming though.
In the end, the playmaker completed a move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal, and Wolves banked £47 million from his sale.
Wolves have actually been OK without Neves so far, as much as people do miss him.
But there are some positives that have come from him leaving – and Hobbs reckons one Wolves player has actually really developed his leadership skills as a result…
Matt Hobbs says Pedro Neto has shown better leadership qualities since Ruben Neves left Wolves
Hobbs has given an interview with Mikey Burrows on Wolves Weekly, and spoken about a variety of topics.
At one point, he touched on what Wolves did in the summer on the transfer front.
On Neves he says that it was ‘difficult’ to see such an individual leave the club, and then made his point about Neto.
He said: “It (such a high profile exit) also provides opportunity. We had some people that were excited to take that opportunity. What you do see when a big group of players leave who have been there a while is maybe some player that were here before, who were slightly in their shadow, find a voice. Allow their personality to come out more.
“I think that’s what we’re seeing with Pedro. Pedro’s now become a leader. Before (his injuries) he was a leader through how he played. Now he’s a leader by emotion. He’s a great senior player. He’s been here a while now.”
Neves still keeps up with what Wolves are doing, and the former Molineux skipper reacted at the weekend to Neto’s amazing run against Manchester City that le to the opening goal in the 2-1 win.
Encouraging remarks from Hobbs on Neto
It is really interesting to hear such comments from Hobbs.
He’s obviously around the building at Compton and Molineux and will know what Neto is like around the place.
Wolves again lost a lot of leaders in the summer.
So to hear that Neto is stepping up in terms of being a leader is really encouraging.
Having leadership in a dressing room is so important, so good on Neto for taking some responsibility.