Wolves are riding on the crest of a wave after securing a thumping 4-1 victory against Fulham on Saturday afternoon.
Wolves climbed out of the relegation zone thanks to some Matheus Cunha brilliance, as the Brazilian scored twice and assisted once at Craven Cottage.
Cunha was compared to Dennis Bergkamp for his incredible touch and lob over Bernd Leno while he wasn’t the only player to shine in West London.
Midfielder Joao Gomes was unplayable against Fulham, with the 23-year-old starring in a midfield role alongside Andre – an experiment Gary O’Neil tried that worked to perfection.
Gary O’Neil must stick with Joao Gomes and Andre as a double pivot
O’Neil suffered somewhat of a defensive crisis heading into the clash, as Craig Dawson missed out through illness while Santi Bueno wasn’t risked with a minor injury.
As a result, the Wolves boss started Mario Lemina as a centre-back alongside Toti Gomes and it was a partnership that somehow worked brilliantly.
Lemina didn’t put a foot wrong in defence, clearing everything in his way and acting as a brick wall while providing the sublime assist for Cunha’s first goal.
The Gabon international is naturally an all-action midfielder, but Cunha praised Lemina’s versatility after slotting into defence like a glove.
It remains to be seen whether the 31-year-old is trialled in that role moving forward, however, his position swap allowed Gomes and Andre to blossom as a double pivot, and that is a partnership O’Neil must not break up.
Andre’s range of passing and control was complemented by the tough tackling and driving runs of Gomes, who also showed composure to take his chance.
The Brazilian duo looked like a match made in heaven after an ‘incredible’ display against Fulham, and it would be harsh to change a winning formula next weekend.
Andre’s stats vs Fulham
Gomes will take the plaudits for his goal and an assist but Andre played an equal role in demolishing Fulham, as the Brazilian international was untouchable in midfield.
Andre’s stats vs Fulham
- 51 touches
- 34/38 accurate passes (89%)
- 2 accurate long balls
- 4 ground duels won
- 2 clearances
- 2 tackles
In recent weeks, the 23-year-old has found it difficult to start matches. O’Neil has preferred Lemina and Gomes as a midfield duo.
Now, Andre has given the manager food for thought after his performance against Fulham, as he debates whether to continue with Lemina at centre-back for the visit of Bournemouth.