Vitor Pereira has impressed early in his career at Wolves, but that doesn’t exempt the manager from receiving advice.
Pereira enjoyed a record-breaking start to life at Wolves as his squad continue to reap the benefits of his arrival.
Several Wolves players have commented on the change Pereira has implemented, with the Old Gold moving away from the relegation zone.
Now that it’s unlikely that Wolves will be relegated, Pereira has some room to get to know his squad better, something that could benefit one player in particular.
Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Vitor Pereira handed Pedro Lima advice
Slowly but surely, Pereira will start to turn his attention to next season, where his squad could look largely different.
Matheus Cunha’s future is uncertain, but he’s not the only one, with captain Nelson Semedo expected to leave Wolves at the expiration of his contract.
Though Pereira didn’t want to lose Semedo, the Portugal international looks set to bid farewell, triggering a vacancy at right wing-back for next season.
Speaking on the E&S Wolves Podcast, Liam Keen spoke about who Semedo’s successor could be, drawing attention to Pedro Lima.
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“One that I think is really important to mention is Pedro Lima,” Keen said when discussing fringe players in search of game time.
“Do I think Wolves should be having him as their out-and-out starter next season? No, he’s only 18.
“I think you need to have a senior option in there as well. I think you need a senior replacement because we’re expecting Nelson Semedo to leave the club, and I think Pedro Lima has got loads of talent.”
Keen went on to admit that while he’s been ‘impressed’ with Lima, Wolves have to start exposing the Brazilian to senior action is he is to lead the line when Semedo departs.
“I’ve really been impressed with him, I think he’s going to be a very good player for this club, but I don’t think you can rely on him as the number one next season in that right wing-back position.
“You need a senior player in there. At the same time, he also needs more exposure to the Premier League, and I think he’d be one out of any of those that I’d like to see get a few more minutes between now and the end of the season.”
With nine Premier League games remaining, Keen prompted Pereira to give Lima a chance to show his worth, something that could ‘help’ both player and club.
“If he can, it’ll only help him for next year as well, where he can start to push and press to get into the starting XI more regularly.”
No doubt about Pedro Lima’s talent
While Gary O’Neil was sure Lima wouldn’t feature this season, the former Wolves manager has been proven wrong by the teenager.
Pereira handed the Brazilian his Premier League debut shortly after his arrival, seeing Lima impress against Nottingham Forest to remind any doubters that he’s more than ready.
What must come next for the teenager is additional minutes before the end of the season to give Lima the chance to shine and Pereira the chance to assess his options.
If the youngster can show the boss that he’s ready to challenge for a starting spot next season, Wolves could save millions on their hunt to replace Semedo.