Gary O’Neil gave his thoughts about Rodrigo Gomes after Wolves defeated West Ham United 3-1 in the US.
Wanderers continued their great form in Jacksonville, and recorded a satisfying win over former boss Julen Lopetegui.
The game had been delayed after there were storms in Florida.
But thankfully, the game did take place and fans did not have a wasted journey. There was a delay of more than two hours, with the match eventually getting underway at 9.05pm.
And Rodrigo Gomes is the man a lot of fans are talking about this morning, after he scored twice in the 3-1 win – and Gary O’Neil gave his thoughts after the game.
Gary O’Neil drops verdict of Rodrigo Gomes after first goals for Wolves in West Ham win
Results in pre-season are never massively important.
But certainly when you play against teams in the same league, then there is more of an emphasis on it.
And O’Neil’s side gave a great account of themselves in the first game of the inaugural Stateside Cup.
Matheus Cunha, who would pick up an injury in the game, opened the scoring before Mohammed Kudus levelled.
Then, it was the Rodrigo show, with the Portuguese winger scoring a brace after coming on as a substitute. His introduction changed the game.
He turned a loose ball home after Goncalo Guedes couldn’t get his shot away and then headed home at the back post after a cracking cross from fellow new signing Pedro Lima, in what was bound to have been a very satisfying goal for sporting director Matt Hobbs.
Speaking after the game, O’Neil couldn’t hide his delight with Rodrigo. He said (Wolves official): “He arrives at the back post really well because he works so hard. No matter how far he’s got to make up, he always arrives at the back post.
“There was bits of his game I thought he could do better with tonight, certain moments he’s been better on the ball in training than he was today, but obviously it’s a great start for him.
“To join a new team and get two goals in his first proper game was nice for him. Not getting carried away – there’s loads of stuff I still want to improve and help him with.”
What a start for Rodrigo
It will be difficult for Wolves fans not to get carried away after seeing Rodrigo score two goals against a Premier League side in pre-season.
It is obviously still very early days. But Rodrigo certainly looks like a real livewire, and it is already understandable why he was a coveted young player.
Wolves paid £12.7 million for Rodrigo and that could end up being a total bargain.
He is extremely versatile and has huge potential. But not only that, Rodrigo comes across as a very humble and hardworking player and this will make him a huge hit with the fans.
Hopefully, he can build on this two-goal performance in the next game against Crystal Palace.