Matheus Cunha has dominated the headlines at Wolves this season, becoming Vitor Pereira’s most invaluable asset.
Cunha has caught the interest of big clubs after scoring 15 goals in all competitions in 2024/25, including 13 in the Premier League.
It’s scary to think where Wolves would be without their Brazilian talisman, who has been involved in 44% of their goals.
On Saturday, Wolves drew 1-1 against Everton, and Vitor Pereira was without Cunha, who was serving the first match of his suspension after lashing out at Milos Kerkez.
Pereira, of course, missed the 25-year-old being available as he could have produced a moment of magic to win them the match, although it was proven that his teammates could step up in his absence and one of those earned huge plaudits.
Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Dave Edwards thinks Andre is one of the Premier League’s best
Andre was phenomenal in the heart of midfield against the Toffees, winning almost every contested duel while rarely giving possession away.
Andre’s stats vs Everton
89 minutes played
91 touches
8/8 accurate long balls
72/74 accurate passes (97%)
9/11 ground duels won
5 tackles
3 fouls drawn
Wolves fans compared Andre to N’Golo Kante, one of the best ball-winning midfielders the Premier League has ever seen, while Dave Edwards has placed the Brazilian in a similar bracket.
Edwards thinks Andre is ‘one of the best number sixes’ in the league, as explained via the official Wolves website.
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“Vitor Pereira’s spoke a lot about that central midfield area, that you need to be athletic, you need to be connected with your midfield partner, you have to be able to handle the ball and he does all those things in abundance,” he said.
“He is one of the best number sixes in the league, there’s no doubt about that. He really is at the top end of ball playing central midfielders who starts attacks. I’ve been delighted to see how much he’s improved since he’s come in, how effective he’s now becoming for Wolves, and now how important he is. I’m looking forward to seeing many more games of Andre dictating the play for Wolves.”
How Andre’s 2024/25 stats compare to Rodri’s in 2023/24
Andre set a Premier League record in 2024/25 at the weekend, becoming the first player this season to win the ball 11 times in the middle third in one match.
But to see if Edwards’ comments have some weight, it’s worth comparing Andre’s stats this term to Rodri, who is inarguably the best defensive midfielder in the division.
Statistics per 90 Andre (2024/25) Rodri (2023/24)
Pass completion 92.7% 92%
Progressive passes 3.91 11.5
Progressive carries 0.33 2.33
Tackles 3.10 2.15
Interceptions 1.19 0.80
Shot-creating actions 1.79 4.82
As Rodri has been sidelined since September 2024 with an ACL injury, we’ve used his 2023/24 statistics as a comparison to Andre.
The Ballon d’Or winner was phenomenal last term, and it’s impressive to see Andre beat him across multiple metrics, including tackles, interceptions, and pass completion, which proves Edwards’ comments correct.