Wolves fans are very excited about the potential of midfielder Joao Gomes – and many will really like what one of his old coaches has had to say about him.
Gomes has enjoyed a fine season at Molineux, having joined the club midway through last term.
Gomes was more of a bit-part player under Julen Lopetegui, but this season he has featured heavily under Gary O’Neil, stepping into the position – and shirt – vacated by Ruben Neves.
The 23-year-old has had a string of great performances alongside Mario Lemina, and supporters love the energy and work-rate that he brings in the middle.
He and Lemina are quite different to Neves and Joao Moutinho, but are appreciated by the Molineux faithful just as much.
Gomes is certainly on an exciting trajectory – and one of his coaches feels he’s already right near the very top for one specific thing he does on the pitch…
Mauricio Souza says Joao Gomes is one of football’s very best ball-winners already
It has been clear since the moment he came in that Gomes is a player who is really good at getting the ball back for his team.
The South American has brilliant athleticism and mobility, but also a very good sense of positioning.
These things allow him to pick the pockets of opponents and then allow Wolves to think about attacking.
Official Premier League statistics indicate that Gomes has made 80 tackles so far – only Joao Palhinha (105) of Fulham, and Sheffield United’s Vini Souza (98) have made more.
This high number of tackles doesn’t come as too much of a surprise to Mauricio Souza, who coached Gomes in the youth ranks at Flamengo. He reckons the youngster is actually one of the game’s finest ball winners already.
He said in an interview with PL Brasil: “In my opinion, he is one of the players who puts his foot on the ball the most, that we bring from futsal. It’s the player who really tackles, who tries to steal the ball, tries to tackle. He is among the best in the world at disarming the opponent.”
Gomes must be a menace to play against
This is quite the claim from Souza, and Gomes is certainly incredible when it comes to getting the ball back for his team.
The Brazilian just seems to have a brilliant knack of tackling and emerging with the ball. Quite often, you will see him come from behind, wrap his leg around a player before stealing off with it.
Of course, because Gomes is very tenacious and combative, that does mean he is naturally going to commit some fouls. He’s actually second for most fouls made this season with 43, behind only Conor Gallagher (43).
But the youngster is undoubtedly a top ball-winner, and he must genuinely be a nightmare to come up against.