All eyes will be on Mateus Mane during Liverpool’s two-game battle with Wolves this week, but keep an eye out for Hugo Bueno.
There’s a lot of buzz around Wolves’ new starlet. Liverpool admire Mane and will likely explore a move when they eventually drop down to the Championship.
The 18-year-old is a talented, versatile attacker who has emerged as one of the most important players at Molineux since the turn of the new year.
But Mane hasn’t been Wolves’ best player — that would be Bueno, the Spanish wing-back who would be perfect for Liverpool.
Liverpool have to lose one of the two games vs Wolves, which do you pick?
Out of the cup or top four hopes take a hit?
FA Cup trophy is pictured on display ahead of the fourth round clash between Macclesfield Town and Brentford (Credit: Getty Images/James Gill - Danehouse). The Premier League trophy pictured at Anfield before Liverpool's final match of the season against Crystal Palace at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Julian Finney).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/James Gill/Danehouse/Julian Finney
Why Liverpool should go for Hugo Bueno over Mateus Mane
As someone who had the misfortune of covering Wolves for much of this season, I have a pretty good idea of the quality they possess. Spoiler alert, it’s not much.
The Old Gold have punched above their weight in the Premier League for the best part of a decade, often driven on by individual quality — like Matheus Cunha, Ruben Neves, and Diogo Jota of course.
They haven’t had that superstar quality this season.
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One player who has stepped up to the plate is Bueno. A natural left wing-back, he’s comfortable operating on both flanks and his tenacious defensive approach is only bested by dangerous attacking play.
Tijjani Reijnders and Hugo Bueno battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Wolves and Manchester City at Molineux
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Bueno has delivered the most crosses (43) of any player in the Premier League this season and leads his team in interceptions (31) and chances created (29). On that playmaking point, he has created twice as many as any other Wolves player.
Add to that an electric dribbling style, and you have a Kerkez-esque full-back who could be a dream rotation piece for Arne Slot.
When he came back from a loan spell at Feyenoord in the summer, no one knew if he would still be at Molineux come deadline day — especially after Wolves signed David Moller Wolfe in his position.
Not only has he stayed, but Bueno has become a key player. He has played the fourth-most league minutes for Wolves this season.
You can only save one Wolves star from Rob Edwards’ sinking ship, who do you want at Liverpool?
Wolves players as Liverpool targets
Wolves players as Liverpool targets
Mateus Mane is the exciting pick, but could one of his teammates address a more pressing position? 👀
The reason for Liverpool to have a look is simple. Andy Robertson will almost certainly leave Liverpool at the end of the season, and Milos Kerkez can’t be the only option in that position.
But also, Liverpool’s right-back issues this season make a defender who can play both sides a tempting proposition. Bueno has done that often this season, and his threat from the right was exemplified by a picture-perfect strike from distance during their comeback against Arsenal.
The 23-year-old has youth and talent on his side. When you’re watching Liverpool’s two clashes with Wolves this week, do yourself a favour and keep an eye on Bueno.
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