Gary O’Neil might have struck gold with one signing this summer as Wolves continue their pre-season training.
It’s been a positive summer for Wolves so far and one contrasting to the lows of the 2023 window.
Last year, the squad faced a mass exile as several key players were offloaded to generate profit, leading to Julen Lopetegui’s swift exit days prior to the 2023/24 campaign.
Now, Gary O’Neil has been able to orchestrate the market to his liking, welcoming three new faces: Rodrigo Gomes, Jorgen Strand Larsen, and Pedro Lima.
- READ MORE: New Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen hailed for one impressive thing he was doing against Como
Liam Keen hints that Rodrigo Gomes could be perfect for Wolves after early pre-season signs
Wolves’ pre-season training camp in Marbella gave the manager the first opportunity to assess his new arrivals, as the Old Gold trained as a squad and participated in a friendly against Como.
Present in Marbella was Express and Star journalist Liam Keen, who shared an interesting insight into the early potential of Gomes, who arrived from Braga for a fee of just under £13m.
Speaking on the E&S Wolves Podcast in review of his time around the squad in Marbella, Keen shared information on Gomes that hints he could turn out to be the perfect capture for O’Neil.
“He’s been playing on the left side rather than on the right, he played a lot on the right last season, he is right-footed, O’Neil likes inverted wide players.
- READ MORE: Rodrigo Gomes has already ‘combined really well’ with two key Wolves stars in pre-season training
“He’s been playing out on the left, cutting in on that right foot. Not only is he cutting in and linking up well with the defender behind him, or Cunha playing as a 10, he’s also willing to take a player on.
“He was getting to the byline, whipping crosses in, comfortable on his left foot as well as his right, he’s quick, he’s direct, he’s tricky, eye for a cross and a goal, I think he’s going to be a really good player. He suits what Wolves want to do.”
The 21-year-old’s versatility could be something that will come of use to O’Neil, being capable of playing on either flank and as a fullback, with Keen emphasising the areas of the youngster’s game that are encouraging for Wolves.
Gomes seems to be the ideal fit for Gary O’Neil
As explained by Keen, not only can Gomes beat his man on the flank, but he can also score, assist, and be an all-around nuisance for the opposition in multiple areas in attack.
Being a player who can be utilised in a range of roles, O’Neil will be thrilled to have captured the Portuguese gem, who was also wanted by Atletico Madrid this summer.
- READ MORE: Rodrigo Gomes shares ‘perfect’ reason why he chose Wolves over Atletico Madrid this summer
The early signs are pointing to Gomes being a talent with fluidity in his positioning on the pitch, as well as being a member of the squad who has the potential to blossom as he gains experience.
At just 21 years old, Wolves might have captured the former Braga starlet at the perfect time following his impressive 14 goal contribution campaign in 2023/24, where he impressed on loan at Estoril.