Vitor Pereira had high praise for one Wolves player following their 2-1 victory over Bristol City, a performance that might leave former manager Gary O’Neil feeling uneasy.
Wolves advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup after a hard-fought win at Ashton Gate.
Despite dominating the opening 40 minutes, they made things difficult for themselves after conceding a free-kick just before halftime, which Scott Twine converted to halve their lead.
Wing-backs Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rodrigo Gomes scored for Wolves, and while Pereira acknowledged there is room for improvement, he took plenty of positives from the game—most notably the standout performance of Rodrigo Gomes, who seems to be flourishing under his guidance.
Pereira Backs Rodrigo Gomes as a Key Player
Under Gary O’Neil, Rodrigo Gomes was largely a peripheral figure. After starting the season opener against Arsenal, he saw limited game time, starting just two more Premier League matches before O’Neil’s departure. However, Pereira’s arrival has changed the youngster’s fortunes.
Rodrigo has now started three of the five games under the new manager, and Pereira is clearly impressed. Speaking after the Bristol City win, he said:
“Rodrigo Gomes has fantastic energy, fast player, capacity to want to come back and help the team defensively, even when he was sick for five of six days, he was still Rodrigo when he played. He gives me two options on the right and the left—he’s a player for NOW.”
Some Wolves fans have even drawn comparisons between Rodrigo and Pedro Neto after his recent displays, with similarities in their energetic and dynamic playing styles.
O’Neil’s Contrasting View on Rodrigo Gomes
Pereira’s praise for Rodrigo is in stark contrast to comments made by Gary O’Neil during his tenure. O’Neil had downplayed Rodrigo’s role, suggesting he was not brought in to play a significant part this season.
Speaking to Express & Star, O’Neil said:
“Sometimes there needs to be a realism attached to the situation around some of the boys, what we signed them for, and when they’re going to be ready.
“We’re working hard to get them ready as quickly as possible, but Pedro Lima was not signed to help the Premier League campaign this season.
“Rodrigo Gomes was signed to help in bits as a back-up, same for Carlos Forbs. They’re very, very young with no Premier League experience.”
O’Neil’s cautious approach didn’t sit well with some fans, who believed Rodrigo and other young players deserved more opportunities.
Pereira, however, has wasted no time integrating them into his plans, and Rodrigo’s performances are proving those fans right.
A Promising Future Under Pereira
Rodrigo’s development under Pereira offers a glimpse of what he could bring to Wolves as he grows more confident in his role.
The manager’s trust in the young winger has not only revitalized his form but also shown that even players labeled as “back-ups” have the potential to shine when given the chance.
With the team progressing in the FA Cup and Rodrigo gaining momentum, Wolves supporters will hope Pereira’s approach continues to unlock the potential within the squad, something that seemed stifled under the previous regime.
