Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Brighton was frustrating for Wolves – but at least Goncalo Guedes scored a goal and put in a strong showing for the hosts.
The £27.5 million summer signing from Valencia was back in the starting XI against the Seagulls, having only been used off the bench in recent weeks.
Guedes cannot really have had any complaints about being benched.
Unfortunately before Saturday, he had really struggled to have much of an impact for Wanderers.
There was a lot of hype surrounding his transfer, considering how long Wolves had actually pursued him.
A lot was expected of him and so far, he just hasn’t really delivered consistently.
He has seemingly lacked confidence, and his decision-making has been a bit questionable.
It can perhaps just be put down to him still getting a feel for English football. Every player is different, and some take longer than others to feel good in the Premier League.
On Saturday, we finally got a really good performance from Guedes, who looked like he was playing with a point to prove.
He was a big threat, and fans got to see that ball-carrying ability that was talked about so much when Wolves signed him.
He took his goal really well, blitzing past Kaoru Mitoma before keeping his balance to score past Robert Sanchez.
That directness has been lacking a bit so far, and we need to see more of that.
It was a goal he really needed. You could tell it gave him confidence, and some of the Brighton players gave him some rough treatment thereafter when he was getting on the ball more and dribbling.
Goncalo Guedes must use goal and performance against Brighton as catalyst to kick on at Wolves
Thankfully Guedes was able to open his account on Saturday.
It must have been a big relief for him and hopefully now he will be much improved for Wolves moving forwards.
He’s had a fair bit of criticism in recent weeks. And some of it has been warranted as the level has been disappointing.
But this is his chance to turn a corner at Molineux and really announce his arrival.
He showed at Valencia how dangerous a player he can be, and Wolves need him to be stepping up more often.
Scoring against Brighton is something that could now help him turn over a new leaf, and show fans what he’s truly all about.
And he’s got Julen Lopetegui coming in next week. The Spaniard has seen Guedes play plenty of times over in La Liga.
Potentially, he’ll be able to get the best out of the 25-year-old.