Former Wolves defender Stephen Ward has hailed Joao Gomes following his performance against Chelsea last weekend.
Wolves pulled four points clear of the relegation zone with the 1-0 win at Molineux.
Matheus Nunes’ stunning strike was the difference between the two teams.
It was one of Wolves’ best performances of the season against the Blues, and one that came in the absence of captain Ruben Neves.
The man that came in as his replacement was Gomes, and the Brazilian put in a magnificent display in the middle of the park.
Gomes was everywhere, putting out fires and recycling possession.
It was easily his best display in a Wolves shirt so far, and his chances of starting this weekend against Brentford will be high.
Ward lavished praise on the 22-year-old on this week’s Wolves Weekly podcast.
He said: “I thought Joao Gomes was exactly what they needed on the day. His energy, his aggression, he’s robust, he just looks resilient doesn’t he when he’s going in and pressing and winning the ball back.”
Dave Edwards also hailed Gomes after his display against the Blues.
It was only Gomes’ fifth appearance for Wolves and second start.
He’ll be in with a great chance of starting against Brentford, although Lopetegui does have other options to partner Mario Lemina in the form of Joao Moutinho and Boubacar Traore.
Traore got minutes for the U21s earlier this week following his recent return from injury.
Joao Gomes must be a nightmare to play against, as Stephen Ward hails Wolves youngster
Gomes really is the talk of the town at the moment and rightly so.
He was absolutely brilliant against Chelsea and completely seized his opportunity.
His tenacity was a sight to behold. He won the ball back so many times for Wolves, and that is not easy to do against players like Enzo Fernandez, Mateo Kovacic, Joao Felix and Kai Havertz etc..
He just seems to have that knack for regaining the ball for Wolves.
He must be an absolutely nightmare to play against, and hopefully that relentless energy will serve Wolves really well moving forwards.