Wolves teenager Mateus Mane has been lighting up the pitch for the Under-21s, and he’s ready to make the step up.
Wolves have upped their levels in the weeks leading up to the international break, but Vitor Pereira’s attack still missing something.
Mateus Mane could be that something. He has been nothing short of phenomenal this season, and it feels like a first-team call-up is only a matter of time.
Wolves have struggled to create and score all season. Mane has outscored every one of Wolves’ attackers. He looks ready to make the jump, and certainly backs himself to do so.
Mateus Mane tells Vitor Pereira he’s ready
Mane was involved in both goals as Wolves’ U-21 side dispatched Wigan Athletic in the EFL trophy, and after the win, the 18-year-old was asked about what’s next.
Confidence is something Mane has in spades, on the pitch and off it. After his impressive showing, he spoke to E&S about what he’s aiming for this season.
He says: “I just do what I do best. Create chances, score goals, and I feel like today I proved what I can do. I got an assist early on in the game, and then last chance of the game I got the goal, which we deserved.
“I’m pleased because I’ve been working every day, either with the first-team or the 21s – wherever I get put – and I just do what I do best, create chances and score goals. I’ve just got to wait for my opportunity now to go and show it in a first-team environment.”
Mane has his sights set on helping Wolves in the top flight, something fans are dying to see.
Mane is ready, and Pereira needs him
It would be one thing if there was fierce competition for places and Mane fell far short of those in his position in terms of quality. But that is not the case.
Pereira is crying out for creativity and threat, a.k.a Mane’s bread and butter.
Of course, it’s a risk to put faith in youth, but the upside is massive. The Premier League seems to be ageing down, and plenty of teenagers are trusted week-in, week-out.
January is a long way away and Pereira has to be proactive, looking for marginal improvements within the squad. That’s exactly what Mane threatens to offer. For the last time, Vitor, give him a shot.