The 2025/26 season has been a real struggle at times for Wolves with many falling short of the standards required, but Joao Gomes can hold his head high.
There has been no shortage of effort in moments, but unfortunately Wolves simply lacked quality, organisation and fitness in too many games. Too often, the collective struggled to impose itself when games have required discipline and structure.
Within that though, there have been a few players who have maintained the same level week after week.
And Joao Gomes is one of those players.
With his exit from the club this summer looking inevitable, new data has emerged which suggests he’ll be able to hold his head high.
Joao Gomes’ defensive output stands out in Wolves midfield
According to Data MB, Gomes has actually made the second-most duels this season in the Premier League with 335.
Only Elliot Anderson – who everyone has been raving about – has made more (396) for Nottingham Forest.
That level of involvement points to a player constantly required to break up play and reset phases – something Gomes has long been about.
Furthermore, Gomes is also among the Premier League’s top tacklers.
Official data from the league places Gomes fourth of all players for total tackles this season with 85. Only Anderson, James Garner and Joao Palhinha have made more.
It just further emphasises the Brazilian’s tenacity, which has arguably been in short supply in the rest of the team.
Of course, Gomes can sometimes be guilty of being overzealous. He’s also second in the league for fouls committed, behind only Igor Thiago.
Wolves will miss Gomes’ tenacity and heart as exit looms
The star’s level of performance has not gone unnoticed, with Gomes now eyed by several top Premier League clubs including Manchester City.
Realistically, Gomes is highly likely to leave Wolves this summer, and the Old Gold will be losing a player who has carried a significant defensive workload for a long time.
His ability to break up play and re-engage quickly has been a constant since he came to the club.
Dave Edwards once branded Gomes the best ball-winner Wolves have ever had, so him leaving is going to sting for sure. But sadly, there is just no way he’d stay to play in the Championship.
If Wolves can find someone who’s even half as good as Gomes when it comes to things like ball-winning, tackling and just showing heart, then they’ll be doing very well.
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