Gary O’Neil has been speaking about Matheus Cunha ahead of Wolves’ game with Burnley – and admitted he’s a player who is really good to have around the place.
Cunha was on target for Wanderers at the weekend in the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal.
He scored late on to give Wolves hope of rescuing a point, but in the end the Gunners held out for all three at the Emirates.
That was Cunha‘s fourth strike of the season so far, and it’s clear that his end product is improving.
He reportedly had to be convinced by coaches earlier in the season that he was the best option to lead the line right now, and O’Neil has admitted he has ‘weekly battles’ with Cunha regarding how best to utilise the player.
But the pair have a great relationship – and O’Neil had some more kind words for his Brazilian forward yesterday…
Gary O’Neil believes Matheus Cunha is very good for the dressing room at Wolves
In recent times at Wolves there has been a big effort to improve not only the football, but the vibe around the training ground.
In the last couple of years, Wolves have watched a lot of big characters and leaders leave the club.
It has been very important to replace these players, and Cunha is definitely a big character.
O’Neil said at the weekend that he had put in a leader’s performance against the Gunners, and yesterday he heaped more praise on the 24-year-old ahead of the visit by Burnley. He said (Wolves official): “He’s a good guy. He works very, very hard, bright always, always in a good mood, so he’s good for the place.
“He’s obviously extremely talented, as you’ve seen in moments in games where he manages to get his one versus ones and gets into dangerous areas, where he can cause teams problems.”
Cunha said after the defeat to Arsenal that he really liked working with O’Neil.
O’Neil and Cunha clearly have a great relationship
At this point, it is very clear that there is a huge respect between these two.
O’Neil is very big on hard work and Cunha does sound like someone who really puts in the graft. O’Neil is also all about honesty and openness, and it sounds like he appreciates Cunha for having similar traits.
You can tell watching Cunha that he has been really good for that dressing room.
From videos the club put out on social media to interviews that he does for broadcasters, Cunha comes across as a really positive character and someone with personality.
Those are the types of individuals you want in your dressing room as well as, obviously, talented players.