Wolves U21s manager James Collins has said that Enso Gonzalez currently finds himself in a ‘very difficult’ situation at the club, and revealed the talented youngster was nervous against PSV Eindhoven on Monday night.
Wolves signed Gonzalez the day before deadline day in the summer transfer window.
He arrived from Paraguayan outfit Libertad, for a reported fee of about £5 million.
Wolves had success with the signing of Joao Gomes from Flamengo months prior. And so the club dipped into the South American market again.
Gonzalez has been signed to be a first-team player.
But it’s going to be a while before he gets his chance.
Gary O’Neil did suggest as much recently. And now, U21s manager Collins has shed light on his current situation…
James Collins says things are ‘very difficult’ for Enso Gonzalez right now in early stages of his Wolves career
Last night, Gonzalez made his second appearance for the Wolves U21s against PSV at Molineux.
He started, and had some bright moments in the game.
He also put in a great corner for Kam Kandola to score.
Gonzalez played around 73 minutes before being replaced, and Collins believes the youngster has it tough just at the moment.
He said: “It’s very difficult for Enso in a new country not being able to communicate with us, and us with him.
“In football, with tactics boards and videos, you can get the message across and get him to understand tactical structure.
“But that personal touch of how he’s feeling is missing. He was a little bit nervous tonight, with his first game under the lights, and I wouldn’t have thought that until he (McPike) told me he was, because he spoke to him.
“That personal touch helps him and I give great credit to James McPike for developing himself.
“In modern football they come from all around the world and fair play to him, it’s really impressive to see. He’s been a big help and I thank him for that.
“It does inspire you to do it, but I remember what I was like at school, I was hopeless!”
Enso’s time will come in 2024
Wolves are excited about Gonzalez’s potential but it seems clear that he is not a first-team option just at the moment.
It must be really hard to come from Paraguay to England without knowing the language and trying to adapt at the age of 18.
He has made a very bold and commendable decision to come.
Wolves will no doubt support him as best they can, as he navigates these tricky first months at the club.
He just needs get himself settled and then maybe he can enjoy a breakout in 2024.