This season, Gary O’Neil has brought out the best in a number of Wolves players, and his team has defied the odds to contend for a European finish.
Early in the 2023–24 season, there were worries that the Midlands club, which had struggled throughout the summer due to financial constraints, might find it difficult to survive in the Premier League.
Rather, O’Neil has upped the standard at Molineux, where he has witnessed the success of several players he took over from Julen Lopetegui, one of whom just received great marks from his manager.
Gary O’Neil commends Joao Gomes for his “fantastic” progress at Wolves.
Joao Gomes’s arrival in 2023 changed everything for Wolves, who have benefited from having signed the Brazilian gem for a mere £15 million during the January transfer window.
The 23-year-old has improved dramatically in his year and a half at the team, establishing himself as a top Pre&w=707&quality=100)
mier League midfielder and, most recently, a Brazil international.
The former Flamengo player was called up to Dorival Junior’s team for the first time last month, making his debut for the five-time World Champions against England and Spain.
Speaking to the media, as reported by Express & Star, O’Neil expressed his happiness with Gomes’ development and described his feeling when he saw his player perform for his nation.
“We love him here, and I’m thrilled with the progress he’s made this year and as a child.”
“He is outstanding. It’s a pleasure to have him around.
“He is driven to succeed, but you never get the sense that it’s for him—rather, it’s for the team and the club that, in bringing him to English football, he feels has a lot of faith in him.”
“You always get the impression that he wants to pay that forward, and the group comes before himself.”
“When I saw him compete so well and represent his country at Wembley, I couldn’t help but smile.” I’m very happy for him.
Gary O’Neil acknowledges that Joao Gomes needs more improvement.
Gomes’ ascent to prominence as a vital member of Wolves’ team since joining under Lopetegui has been remarkable, but the manager has stated that he still wants more from the 23-year-old.
Given his age, it’s critical that we continue to push him since there is still plenty about him that we can do better.
“It would be an incredible accomplishment if we could get him to be a regular in the Brazil squad.”
