Wolves were beaten by Crystal Palace on Tuesday night, and during the game, one major problem was exposed to Vitor Pereira.
Wolves’ 4-2 loss against Crystal Palace was their third Premier League defeat in a row after winning their previous six in the competition.
The visitors were nowhere near their best at Selhurst Park, and even some of their star performers were not at the races, with Liam Keen calling out Emmanuel Agbadou and Andre for their surprisingly poor display.
Agbadou was guilty of giving the ball away on numerous occasions, while Andre wasn’t himself without Joao Gomes next to him in the engine room, and they weren’t the only players who struggled on the night.
Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images
Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images
Rodrigo Gomes struggled at right wing-back against Crystal Palace
Vitor Pereira handed Rodrigo Gomes a rare start in the Premier League, his first since a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United in January.
The 21-year-old, as usual, was deployed in the right wing-back role, but his struggles in that position quickly became apparent, as he was partly responsible for Eddie Nketiah’s opener.
He lost possession deep in his own half in the build-up to Nketiah’s goal, and the Portugal under-21 star struggled to live with the threats of Romain Esse and Ben Chilwell down the left.
That is why Pereira decided to move Gomes to the left in the second half while bringing Nelson Semedo on at right centre-back for Nasser Djiga at half-time.
Rodrigo Gomes stats vs Crystal Palace
81 minutes played
19/23 (83%) pass completion
0 accurate crosses
3/6 ground duels won
13 times possession lost
2 tackles won
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Wolves were significantly weaker without Semedo starting at Selhurst Park, and since the captain could potentially leave Molineux, this game would have shown how much investment is needed in that position.
Wolves would need to sign a replacement for Nelson Semedo
Gomes’ versatility has seen him used as a wing-back or winger this term. The youngster is certainly better at driving forward than defending, and he isn’t a worthy successor to Semedo just yet.
Semedo could leave Wolves this summer with his contract expiring, even though Pereira wants to keep him.
That would leave the Old Gold needing to sign a new right wing-back in the window, as they cannot rely on Gomes, Pedro Lima, or even Matt Doherty as a regular starter in that position.
The Portuguese international has been incredible for Wolves, elevating his game to new heights under Pereira and relishing the responsibility as captain.
Gomes, who cost Wolves £12.7 million last summer, is better used as a squad option if Semedo leaves, as the Palace game proved he’s not ready to nail down the starting role.