It’s hard not to get excited when a Wolves player is compared to one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
In over two decades as a manager, Vitor Pereira competed all around the world before coming to Wolves.
In South America, Asia and Europe, the Wolves boss has won everywhere, and has coached some talented players along the way.
But the player who will likely go down as the best to play under him is still just 20 years old, and he reminds Pereira of a Wolves youngster.
Vitor Pereira draws comparison between Fer Lopez and Real Madrid’s Arda Guler
Pereira had two stints at Fenerbahce, first in 2015 and again in 2021. During that second spell, a then-16-year-old Arda Guler was just breaking into the first team.
Guler, who is now a regular for Los Blancos under Xabi Alonso, has a valuation of £130 million. But Pereira thinks £19 million Fer Lopez is worthy of comparison.
Lopez has been slowly bedding into this Wolves side, but Pereira cautions patience.
Speaking about the Spaniard (via E&S), Pereira says: “I remember Arda Guler at 16 years old. We called him to the first team at Fenerbahce and in the first training I realised this boy is a fantastic player and he wants to play.”
“Every time he wanted the ball and when someone didn’t pass to him he was angry with them – now he’s at Real Madrid.”
The comparison is a promising one, because Lopez is at the stage Guler was at last season, in and out of the team, but the Turkish star’s emergence at the Bernabeu should be a source of encouragement.
Pereira not rushing it with Lopez
As a manager with plenty of experience nurturing young talent, Pereira knows he can’t rush it. He holds Lopez in very high regard, ability-wise, but recognises the risk of throwing him in the deep end prematurely.
As he puts it: “If they go there and they don’t perform, we have the other side of the coin, and they start to be anxious. They will push themselves and increase the pressure.
“A manager must understand and learn with experience to balance the fire and the talent, and when they are ready to play.”
Hopefully, that time comes sooner rather than later.
A settled Lopez could be what takes this Wolves attack to the next level. From the glimpses we have seen, he looks like he can be one of the best at the club. He has the manager’s backing to do just that.