Rodrigo Gomes scored his first goal for Wolves in the 3-0 win over Leicester City, but there was something about him that really surprised Lee Naylor.
Wolves recorded a huge victory in Vitor Pereira’s first game in charge, and there is newfound optimism within the fanbase.
Leicester were really poor defensively, and Wolves were able to take full advantage on the day.
Goncalo Guedes gave Wanderers the lead, before Rodrigo and Matheus Cunha put Wolves three goals up before the break.
Wolves then managed the game really well in the second-half, showing a level of control we have rarely seen this season.
One of the best moments of the day came when Rodrigo scored – and Lee Naylor sounded out the youngster for praise.
Lee Naylor hails Rodrigo Gomes for his defensive work against Leicester
Rodrigo Gomes of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and W...
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Rodrigo has struggled for regular minutes this season.
He came in as Wolves’ first signing of the summer, and fans were very enthused by his showings in pre-season.
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But Gary O’Neil didn’t hand him many starts in the Premier League before his sacking, with most of his appearances being from the bench. Certainly, Rodrigo’s display against Leicester will have made awkward viewing for O’Neil.
On Sunday, he got the nod from Pereira – and enjoyed his best game for Wolves as a wing-back.
And although Rodrigo scored, Naylor was left pleasantly surprised by his defensive contribution. The former Molineux full-back on Matchday Live Extra: “I was actually really surprised at his defensive duties, how well he did, if I’m honest with you.
“I thought they were going to prey on him, in terms of his height. You saw the ‘keeper kick it out there a few times to Justin to try and win headers. But he stood up tall today. He was like a little Thommo (Andy Thompson) over there!”
Naylor had previously stated that Rodrigo was his man of the match against Leicester.
Vitor Pereira has to give Rodrigo Gomes more minutes
This was easily Rodrigo’s best performance in a Wolves shirt since his arrival at the club – and fans were delighted to see him finally shine.
The role of wing-back really suited him, and the potential was always there for that because he’d spent most of his time playing as a wing-back on loan at Estoril.
Pereira must now seek to increase Rodrigo’s minutes at Wolves.
Rodrigo Gomes for Wolves
Appearances – 11
Minutes played – 443
Goals – 1
Assists – 0
He didn’t play nearly enough as he should have under O’Neil, but his energy can really help Wolves.
It could be tricky to fit him in, given Rayan Ait-Nouri is also well suited to playing as a wing-back. But with Matheus Cunha to be banned soon, it could well be that Rodrigo stays as a wing-back with Ait-Nouri replacing Cunha, or Rodrigo replacing Cunha directly.
Either way, he should keep his place in the team.
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