Gary O’Neil has been informed by Matheus Cunha that one of his Wolves players is similar to a Champions League icon.
The summer transfer window has provided Gary O’Neil with the chance to finally strengthen his squad at Wolves.
O’Neil steered his side to a 14th-place Premier League finish last term, combatting the campaign with limited depth.
While the boss will be looking for added quality in the transfer market, O’Neil has been informed that one of his current players is mirroring a five-time Champions League winner.
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Matheus Cunha says Wolves star Joao Gomes is like Champions League icon Casemiro
When speaking to the media after the 2023/24 campaign, relayed by Express and Star, Matheus Cunha was full of praise for one of his teammates.
The Brazilian waxed lyrical about midfielder Joao Gomes, forming a remarkable comparison between the Wolves sensation and former Real Madrid great, Casemiro.
“Maybe Casemiro is a bit older now but I put Casemiro’s name there only to show where Joao Gomes could arrive.
“I think Joao has the possibility to arrive. He is very humble and he works a lot. The good teams come like a gift when you do that.”
Wolves will hope that clubs don’t try to lure the 23-year-old away from Molineux this summer, as interest in Gomes heats up.
Cunha relayed exactly what Wolves fans would have expected to hear, as the forward admitted he feels “secure” on the pitch when Gomes is playing.
“He is unbelievable on the pitch. I feel very secure. I feel like I can lose the ball when I have my midfielders behind me. He played very well for the national team too.”
Gomes was ironically better than Casemiro last season
Though Gomes still has a lot to develop in his game, O’Neil’s midfield would be a far less secure place without him in the side.
The Brazil international performed at an exceptional level for the majority of the 2023/24 season at Wolves, which was supported by his numbers.
Gomes ranked in the top 1% of midfielders for his rate of 4.35 tackles per 90 in the Premier League, via FBref, telling of how well he marshalls Wolves’ engine room.
The 23-year-old even bettered Casemiro in some instances, averaging more tackles per 90, and losing significantly fewer challenges (1.82 per 90) than the Manchester United man (2.50 per 90).
Of course, Casemiro is nearing the end of his career, with Cunha referencing Gomes’ quality to that of the five-time Champions League winner in his prime.
That being said, the Wolves forward isn’t far off in his evaluation of his teammate, who is certainly on the path to big things after his superb first full season at Molineux.