Wolves forward Matheus Cunha could play a different role in Gary O’Neil’s squad next term, based on what has been seen in pre-season.
Preparation for the 2024/25 season is underway at Wolves, as Gary O’Neil’s squad continue to work towards improving last term’s form.
The Old Gold are currently in Marbella at a training camp, where the squad played a friendly match against Como on Monday evening, winning 1-0 against Cesc Fabregas’ side.
Some new faces have impressed so far in pre-season, as have some well-known figures, with one key position change noted for Matheus Cunha.
Matheus Cunha spotted playing a different role in Wolves pre-season training
Cunha was signed by Wolves in January 2023 on an initial loan spell from Atletico Madrid, before making his switch permanent last summer.
At the point of the club signing him permanently, Wolves fans weren’t given a reason to be overly convinced by his conviction as a striker, as he netted two goals in 17 appearances.
Things changed dramatically for the Brazilian under O’Neil, as the manager seemed to utilise the forward as a player with more to offer than being restricted to act as a target man.
O’Neil’s understanding of Cunha saw him thrive last term, with further attention being paid this summer.
Present at Wolves’ training camp in Marbella is Express and Star journalist Liam Keen, who noticed that the 25-year-old had been playing the number 10 role ahead of next season.
The journalist relayed that Cunha was seen in a ‘slightly different position’ against Como, describing him as lining up centrally behind Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Keen explained that the switch looked to work well for the Brazil international, who was given a ‘license to roam feely’ and ‘find space’ in behind Wolves’ new striker.
Cunha playing as a number 10 makes sense for Wolves
Now that the Old Gold have acquired a true number nine in Strand Larsen, the pressure can be taken off players like Cunha to act as the target man.
As a result, the former Atletico Madrid ace can focus on providing his teammates with his direct approach to play, which Keen noted ‘worked well’ in the number 10 position.
The Wolves expert reported that the 25-year-old was able to play with ‘freedom’, which suited his ball-carrying strengths as he found pockets of space behind Strand Larsen.
Now that the Brazilian has a strong end product to show for his expert drive on the ball, O’Neil can get the best out of the star which in turn could prove to be fundamental to unlocking Strand Larsen.
It’s a positional tweak that makes perfect sense for Wolves and one that will be something to watch next season.