Wolves have a new star in their ranks in Mateus Mane.
The teenager stole headlines again yesterday as the Old Gold secured an emphatic 3-0 win over West Ham United at Molineux.
Mane played a part in all three goals, scoring the third himself in superb fashion for his first for the club.
Mane is bringing a kind of confidence that we have seldom seen at Molineux this season.
Who was your MOTM during that brilliant 3-0 win for Wolves? 🤩
Rob Edwards recently theorised that Mane had perhaps not been ‘scarred’ from the struggles of the season like other players, and this is why he is playing with such freedom.
That could well be true, with Mane seemingly relishing the situation in which he finds himself.
After yesterday’s game, former Premier League striker Jermain Defoe insisted that Mane looks like he’s been a Wolves player for years.
And Edwards gave another verdict that fans are going to find hugely encouraging.
Rob Edwards suggests Mateus Mane is already becoming a leader in Wolves’ dressing room
There are plenty of reasons behind Wolves’ struggles this season, but the biggest is arguably poor recruitment.
Ultimately, the shaping of Wolves’ squad ahead of the 2025/26 wasn’t right. Too many players were allowed to leave, including game-changers and leaders.
It has often been suggested that Wolves have lacked leaders in the squad this term.
Mane has only just come into the picture at Wolves. But he has been rather inspirational, and his manager believes he is actually already showing leadership.
He said: (via E&S): “He’s 18, but he’s almost like a little bit of a leader in there as well. I think it’s infectious. I think he’s rubbing off on people, his energy, his enthusiasm.
“He’s a really bright talent and someone that we should be really excited about, but at the same time, we just want to try and look after him.”
Mane is inspiring
Mane has breathed new life into the Wolves fans with his performance, and one would imagine he’s also having a great effect in that dressing room.
It has been a very tough season, and the players have been beleaguered.
Do you agree with Jermain Defoe about Mateus Mane? 🔥
The teenager has been a breath of fresh air…
But Mane has been a genuine inspiration with the way he’s come in and seized the opportunities given to him.
A lot of the other players have to have been looking at his rise and feeling inspired. As Edwards suggests, his energy and enthusiasm is infectious.
Long may this continue, because Wolves need as much leadership as possible in the second half of the season.
Receive a digest of our best Wolverhampton Wanderers content each week direct to your mailbox
Join the fan conversation
