Vitor Pereira had some fair criticisms of Pedro Lima in recent weeks as the 19-year-old prepares for his second season at Wolves.
Nelson Semedo’s departure caused a stir at Molineux. Losing such an integral player is bad enough, but in a position without a clear replacement, even worse.
One player who has been touted to succeed last season’s skipper is Pedro Lima, though he has failed to fill those boots as of yet. Lima arrived at the club last summer for £8.4 million and made six appearances over the course of the campaign.
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Stoke City v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images
Vitor Pereira discussed Lima’s performance earlier this summer, citing three key areas in which the Brazilian could improve. He told E&S: “I see talent, especially offensively.
“He needs to improve one against one defensively, he needs to be more aggressive and better in the air. We are working with him on that.”
Pedro Lima discusses what he’s working on at Wolves this pre-season
Doing his first English interview for Wolves’ official website, Lima revealed what he’s trying to improve as the season looms, saying: “Every day we train. I listen every day. I’m training on my passing, and the physicality.
When Lima discusses physicality, it encompasses the issues Pereira identified, and the Portuguese manager will no doubt be trying his best to develop what is a very promising young talent.
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“Every day we train to evolve. It’s step by step, every day.”
Wolves players in pre-season training.
Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images
But given the requirement for a starter-level talent in that position now, it seems unlikely that Lima will be given the nod, especially with Wolves close to signing Juanlu Sanchez of Sevilla.
A loan move might be good for Pedro Lima
Lima played against Stoke City last weekend, and the performance wasn’t up to par.
After the game, fans remarked that the youngster looked ‘way off it’, with many suggesting Ki-Jana Hoever is more ready for a role in the first team.
Another season as third or fourth choice does not seem like a good development plan for a player who clearly needs senior minutes.
As Wolves look to make additions at the back, they may want to consider sending Lima the other way and hoping he returns next season with some real experience.