Vitor Pereira’s decision to move Wolves to a back four has paid off, but not for everyone.
With just two goals conceded in the last three games, it’s clear that the changes made by Vitor Pereira have improved Wolves at the back.
The midfield now has an extra body to battle for control, while the forwards should have more space to operate out wide. But the change means no more wing-backs. The wide defenders now need to be far less adventurous and more defensively solid.
That doesn’t quite suit one Wolves player who has been brilliant this season.
Rodrigo Gomes the biggest loser of Wolves’ system change
With the additions of Jackson Tchatchoua and David Moller Wolfe in the summer, it looked like there may not be room for Rodrigo Gomes at Wolves.
But the Portuguese wing-back had other ideas. His performances this season have been outstanding, tied with Jorgen Strand Larsen for top scorer in all competitions and a real energy source for Pereira’s side whenever he enters the pitch.
But Gomes is far from a traditional full-back, and the switch to a back four leaves him without a defined role.
That has been evident in the last two games, where Gomes was left on the bench. For how well he has done with the minutes available, you would think he’d be trusted more and more, but his position is causing him problems.
Gomes should get a run up front
Before making the switch to Molineux, Gomes was tearing up the Primeira Liga, notching seven goals and seven assists from wing-back at Estoril.
Add to that his red-hot form in front of goal this season, and an argument begins to come together for Pereira trying Gomes in the front line.
He got minutes on both wings last season, but hasn’t been pushed that far up this campaign.
Wolves need more wide talent now that creative responsibilities and shape have changed, and Gomes could be the man for the job. Otherwise, one of the team’s best performers would be warming the bench for the season.