Ki-Jana Hoever has been a revelation for Wolves early into pre-season, with Vitor Pereira taking a liking to the defender.
Signed from Liverpool in 2020, Hoever has been on Wolves’ books for five years, but has only made 25 appearances for the Old Gold in that time.
A series of loan spells have allowed the right-back to develop his craft away from the pressures of the Premier League, most recently spending a season in France with Auxerre.
Upon returning from his experience in the French top flight, Hoever is emerging as a dark horse to make a name for himself in the Wolves squad next season.
Vitor Pereira asked Ki-Jana Hoever to play centre-back
Hoever could be the Nelson Semedo replacement that Wolves have been hunting for the majority of the summer so far.
The Dutchman has confidence that he can be the player Pereira wants this summer, with the Wolves manager already testing the 23-year-old’s limits.
Speaking to Wolves’ official website after Wolves’ pre-season draw against Stoke City, Hoever revealed a conversation he had with Pereira at half-time of the clash.
“I feel like I’m a wing-back. I think he sees that as well. But he spoke to me at half-time and asked if I could play as a third centre back, and obviously, the way we play, I think it’s also something I can do, and it’s no problem for me.”
Hoever showed his desire to make it at Wolves by admitting it’s ‘no problem’ for him to be utilised where the boss needs.
To make matters even better, the role is something that the ex-Liverpool starlet grew accustomed to in France with Auxerre.
“I think it’s similar to what I did last season in a five, so it’s not a lot of really new things.
“Obviously, everything is just a level higher, and I’ve been used to that in the Premier League. It’s been good, I feel comfortable at right wing back, and I feel like I can really contribute.”
Hoever is enjoying working with Pereira
At Wolves, Hoever has always been an interesting talent, but not one who was ready, or even considered, to be a first-teamer.
Things could be different under Pereira, who is assessing the player for the first time since arriving at Wolves in December.
During his post-match interview, Hoever admitted that he’s already loving working with Pereira and his team.
“I really love to work with him and with the staff,” he said
“They just want to help me become a better player. I hope I can be important for them as well, for the club. I obviously know I’ve been away for some years, but for me it’s a big opportunity.”
It would be quite the resurgence for Hoever to become a first-team regular at Wolves now, where he could showcase what he’s been learning while away from the West Midlands.