Wolves recorded their first win of the season on Tuesday night – and Vitor Pereira has been urged to make one key player decision for the next match against Everton.
Wolves defeated West Ham United in their second round Carabao Cup game at Molineux, showing great character to come from behind.
After going in at half-time 1-0 up, Wolves then conceded two headed goals.
But Jorgen Strand Larsen came off the bench to score twice in two minutes, and Vitor Pereira’s other substitutions also helped change the game.
There were some worrying moments at times, but also some great performances on the night. Jackson Tchatchoua impressed fans against West Ham with his cameo, with the new signing recording his first assist for Wolves.
And for Andy Thompson and Lee Naylor, Hugo Bueno made a strong case to keep his place in the team.
Andy Thompson and Lee Naylor agree Hugo Bueno should start for Wolves against Everton
Hugo Bueno on the ball for Wolves.
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
It was expected that Pereira would ring the changes against West Ham.
He made eight in total from the team that started against Bournemouth in the Premier League, with Hugo Bueno replacing David Moller Wolfe at left wing-back.
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And Bueno was one of Wolves’ best players against the Hammers.
He was so positive and looked to get the ball into the box often. According to Sofascore, he put in 10 crosses. He drove at his man often, showing confidence and throwing in stepovers.
And he was clearly up for it – at one point when Wolves were chasing the game, Bueno whipped up the crowd as the ball rolled out of play. The Molineux crowd responded by chanting his name.
On Matchday Live Extra, Andy Thompson said: “Bueno has got to play for me at left-back. I’ve thought this for a long time, that he’s just a quality player.
Hugo Bueno vs West Ham
Minutes played – 90+
Touches – 84
Passes – 40/48
Crosses – 1/10
Ground duels – 5/7
Clearances – 4
Interceptions – 1
Tackles – 2
“When he left last year, I didn’t quite understand why he left, I know we had Ait-Nouri, but when he came out with a knock for a little bit we didn’t have a left-back at the time, but Bueno is always looking to get forward, he’s always an option, which you saw Fer Lopez picking him out a lot of the time.
Lee Naylor agreed, saying: “I think Hugo has put his hand up now and that position is his. Everything he did tonight was positive.”
Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira celebrating.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Naylor had wanted Bueno to start the season for Wolves, and Pereira may now look to get him involved from the beginning against Everton this weekend.
Work to do for David Moller Wolfe
Bueno was great against West Ham, and put in the exact kind of performance he needed to, after not starting the first two Premier League games.
He has now given himself a reasonable chance of starting this weekend against Everton.
David Moller Wolfe has not really blown anyone away yet. Having said that, he’s only just arrived and needs time to get up to speed.
Bueno knows the Premier League, and now has momentum from the West Ham game.
It would therefore not be a surprise to see Pereira give him the nod. And it will then be on the Spaniard to keep his place.