Gary O’Neil has an abundance of top-quality talent in his Wolves squad although, one player is standing out above the rest.
The summer transfer window was successful for Wolves, who welcomed eight new faces to Molineux to bolster O’Neil’s squad.
It was an overdue triumph for the Midlands club, who suffered during the 2023 summer window after offloading a host of key players for profit amid PSR concerns.
While Wolves’ activity this year was more positive, the Old Gold were still unable to avoid losing their star player, as Pedro Neto signed for Chelsea.
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Wolves star Matheus Cunha dubbed one of the Premier League’s best
Wolves sanctioned the winger’s exit for a fee of £54m, as Neto departed in an impressive deal to join the Blues.
While those at Molineux were devastated to lose the 24-year-old’s talent, all hope was not lost, as another star was waiting to be crowned O’Neil’s best.
Matheus Cunha was one of the Old Gold’s top performers last season, as he contributed to 22 goals in all competitions as a driving force in Wolves’ attack.
Speaking on the Brazilian’s influence with reference to Neto’s exit, journalist Nathan Judah called on Cunha to continue his impressive form for the sake of the club’s success, via The Keen & Judah Show.
“I think when you lose your best player in terms of impact in Pedro Neto, Matheus Cunha becomes essential now in this starting line up.
“Not just to be starting week in week out but to be Wolves’ main goalscorer. I think with Jorgen Strand Larsen, that partnership is looking very good but he [Cunha] is indispensable to this side straight away.”
Judah went on to describe the 25-year-old as not only one of Wolves’ best attackers but as one of the best strikers in the whole of the Premier League.
“I really think that Cunha is not just huge for Wolves, but one of the best strikers in the Premier League and it’s essential that Wolves keep him fit this season.”
Cunha is integral to Gary O’Neil’s squad
Judah’s admission over Cunha rings true, as there aren’t many Premier League sides that didn’t have trouble with the forward last season.
The Brazil international has a tireless and fearless approach to play, being one of the best ball carriers in the league, as his numbers last campaign showed.
As per FBref, Cunha ranked in the top 3% of forwards based on his average of 2.36 successful take-ons per 90, reinforcing how difficult he is to handle when in possession.
Having lost Neto, it’s difficult to imagine where Wolves would be if they were to have lost Cunha too, with the former Atletico Madrid striker being the glue in O’Neil’s side at present.