Wolves have been in Carabao Cup action tonight – and there was a competitive debut for full-back Pedro Lima.
The summer signing from Sport Recife has not featured in Wolves’ first two Premier League games against Arsenal and Chelsea, with the more experienced Matt Doherty preferred.
Lima had impressed in pre-season, but clearly Gary O’Neil is keen to ease him in.
With Lima having been ‘training like a madman’ recently according to Tom King, the manager felt tonight’s Carabao Cup match with Burnley was an opportunity for Lima, with Doherty rotated to the bench and Nelson Semedo still suspended.
In pre-season, Lima showcased his attacking quality in particular, with his assist for Rodrigo Gomes against West Ham United a real highlight.
That attacking quality was on display tonight during the 2-0 win against Burnley at Molineux, with Lima putting in a glorious cross for Goncalo Guedes to open the scoring against the Clarets.
Just before that, he actually almost opened his account for the club when he followed in a shot from Daniel Podence that was parried. Goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky tipped the youngster’s effort onto the post.
Lima was a constant outlet for Wolves, with his speed causing real problems.
But the youngster was also relatively solid defensively – not that Burnley caused too many problems on the night. But it was still an assured and energetic display.
Wolves fans lap up Pedro Lima debut in Carabao Cup v Burnley
Lima’s inclusion tonight was always going to be fascinating.
And there was always a very good chance he would start, with Doherty having played the two Premier League games and Semedo unavailable.
Lima appeared to relish the opportunity given to him, and didn’t really give the impression that he was making his competitive debut.
It was just a confident display from the starlet, who also seemed to benefit from having the experienced Craig Dawson next to him.
On social media, supporters were left delighted by Lima’s debut.
What a prospect
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Lima could well turn out to be a seriously exciting player for Wolves in the future.
O’Neil urged patience over the teenager a few weeks ago and he was absolutely right to say what he said. Lima has only just turned 18 and has so much developing to do.
But the early signs are very encouraging indeed.
Lima seems fearless in the way he plays, and his desire to constantly bomb forward is really refreshing.
Nelson Semedo’s contract will be up at the end of this season and the club may well need to think about life after the 31-year-old.
So it is important that Wolves try and bring Lima on as best they can in this first season, in preparation for the Portuguese’s potential exit next year.