Steve Davis praised Goncalo Guedes following his goal and performance for Wolves yesterday in the 3-2 defeat to Brighton.
The winger was handed a start in attack, with Diego Costa suspended and Adama Traore dropping to the bench.
Guedes has been struggling in recent weeks for Wanderers.
He was one of Wolves’ marquee signings in the summer, and he has turned in some disappointing displays.
But yesterday he was much, much better for Wolves.
Watching him, it felt like he trying to prove a point.
He was much sharper and livelier than in previous weeks.
And his work for the goal was really good. The pace to get ahead of the full-back, and then the balance to stay up and get a shot away was impressive.
Speaking after the game, interim manager Davis said: “He’s been training well and we spoke to him this week, we had him in the office and we had to find a different way of playing, with Daniel [Podence] playing inside the pitch more.
“That enabled the full-backs to get a little bit more. We know his qualities and he’s not produced it yet, but I thought today he showed signs of it and, as an individual, he can build on it now.”
Guedes’ goal yesterday was his first for the club since his £27.5 million move from Valencia.
Fans will now hope he will be able to take confidence from it and kick on.
Goncalo Guedes really needed that goal against Brighton
It was good for Guedes to get off the mark at last for Wolves yesterday.
He really needed the goal and hopefully it will do him the word of good.
The star has so much talent, and can be a really dangerous weapon for Wolves.
Perhaps we will see the best of him in 2023, when he’s had a bit more time in the English game.
If he doesn’t go to the World Cup with Portugal, it’s possible we’ll see a Guedes determined to prove why he should have gone.