Wolves fans were delighted to see Ruben Neves back at Molineux yesterday for the first time since his exit from the club.
The former Molineux captain was in attendance to watch Wolves get their first win of the season in the Premier League against Southampton.
Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha got the goals for the hosts, who did not play particularly well on the day, and were perhaps slightly fortunate in some moments.
The disallowed goal Southampton had was controversial. And there was also frustration from the opposition about the build-up to the second goal by Cunha.
But Wolves have been due a bit of luck, and Gary O’Neil will now seek to build on the 2-0 win.
Cunha said after the game that Neves should attend Molineux more often, after he seemed to serve as a good luck charm. Few Wolves fans would mind that.
It was great to see Ruben Neves back yesterday, and one would imagine he’d had been proud of one player in particular.
Ruben Neves must be proud of Joao Gomes’ development at Wolves
Neves left Wolves in the summer of 2023 and shortly afterwards, his famous number eight shirt number was handed to Joao Gomes.
Gomes was signed by Wolves in January 2023 from Flamengo on the watch of Julen Lopetegui and for the second half of the campaign, Gomes spent a fair bit of time on the bench which was to be expected.
It was a chance for him to watch and digest, and build his minutes up slowly.
Lopetegui largely used Neves and Mario Lemina in midfield and sometimes Joao Moutinho.
Gomes did impress though when he took the the field, but his proper chance would come once Neves moved on.
Gomes was terrific in his first full season for Wolves and appeared not to feel the weight of expectation brought about by being Neves’ successor. Gomes is not really Neves’ successor in terms of play style, but obviously he took his old shirt number and plays a similar position.
The star quickly established himself as one of the best ball-winners in the Premier League. Dave Edwards has previously called Gomes the best ball-winner Wolves have ever had.
But the Brazilian has just gone from strength to strength since Neves left and – while Gomes actually didn’t have his best game against Southampton – the Portuguese would likely have loved seeing his successor sporting his old shirt number.
Neves called it right early doors with Gomes
Gomes has proven to be one of the most successful signings Wolves have made in more recent times.
He cost just £15 million from Flamengo, and he is probably worth around three or four times that initial fee now.
After scoring on his debut against Southampton for Wolves shortly after joining and after that games, Neves hailed Gomes, saying: “What a finish. He’s a fantastic player and a fantastic guy as well, I’m really happy for him and really proud of him as well.”
One can only imagine the level of pride Neves now feels for Gomes.
Gomes already has several clubs interested in him and one wonders how long he will acutally stay at Molineux – few would expect him to stick around as long as Neves did.