Goncalo Guedes joined Wolves with plenty of promise, but his tenure at the club has been nothing short of tumultuous. His initial performances left fans disappointed, and he spent much of last season on loan. Yet, despite the challenges, there’s a renewed hope under Gary O’Neil’s leadership. Having taken over just before the previous season, O’Neil didn’t have ample time to embed his strategy. However, the current pre-season showcases his meticulous work, and Guedes might finally get the chance to prove his worth. Don’t get me wrong, he may well depart but his stock is low so can the talented Portuguese forward turn his Wolves career around?
Can O’Neil Revive Goncalo Guedes’ Wolves Career?
Goncalo Guedes joined Wolves with great promise but has had a rollercoaster journey since then. Let’s explore his career at the club so far.
Initial Promise and Performance
Goncalo Guedes was signed from Valencia in the summer of 2022. Wolves fans were over the moon with this high-profile signing. Guedes had just wrapped up an impressive season in La Liga, contributing to 17 goals for Valencia (13 goals and 4 assists). The buzz around his arrival was electric. Wolves supporters hoped he would bring the same flair and dynamism to the Premier League.
His debut for Wolves was keenly anticipated, and when he first stepped onto the pitch, expectations were sky-high. Fans envisioned Guedes as a game-changer, someone who could make things happen on the field with his speed and agility.
Struggles and Loan Spells
However, reality did not meet expectations. Guedes struggled to find his form and rhythm at Molineux. His performances were patchy, and he failed to replicate his La Liga success in the Premier League. His body language on the pitch often suggested frustration, which wasn’t lost on the fans.
By January 2023, it became clear that something needed to change. Wolves decided to send him on loan to Benfica, hoping that a familiar environment might rekindle his spark. Although his stint at Benfica showed flashes of brilliance, it wasn’t enough to convince Wolves of his place in their squad. Another loan to Villarreal followed in January 2024.
His time in La Liga did offer some hope. Guedes managed to contribute to five goals (2 goals and 3 assists), demonstrating he still possessed the talent and vision that Wolves initially invested in. His statistics in Spain showed that he could still be a valuable player if properly utilised.
What’s Next for Guedes?
Guedes’ journey with Wolves has been a mix of highs and lows. With new manager Gary O’Neil at the helm, there is hope that he can turn things around. O’Neil has a reputation for rejuvenating players’ careers, and the preseason has shown glimpses of Guedes in action again.
Let’s dive into his statistics and performance to understand his potential.
Comparative Analysis with Top Players
When we look at Guedes’ stats, it’s clear he has the ability to shine, given the right environment and support. To understand his potential, let’s compare his performance to other La Liga players like Antoine Griezmann and Rodrygo.
Antoine Griezmann:
- Passes into the penalty area: Guedes averaged a higher number of passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes than Griezmann last season. This shows his vision and ability to drive the ball forward.
- Goals and assists: Last season in La Liga, Griezmann contributed significantly to his team’s success with goals and assists. Guedes, while not as dominant, still contributed to five goals, indicating his capability to make a difference.
Rodrygo:
- Comparison with Rodrygo: Guedes’ stats align closely with those of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. They both share a knack for creating opportunities and moving the ball into dangerous areas. Rodrygo’s dynamism has been well-documented, and Guedes shows similar traits.
- Offensive contributions: Both players are known for their attacking prowess. Guedes may not boast the same numbers as Rodrygo, but his ability to contribute to offensive plays is evident.
In terms of key statistics:
- Goals: Guedes scored three goals in La Liga last season, showing he knows how to find the back of the net.
- Assists: He also provided two assists, highlighting his ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates.
- Performance metrics: Guedes’ high number of passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes shows his attacking mindset and willingness to take on defenders.
By looking at these comparisons, it becomes clear that Guedes possesses the talent and potential to be as impactful as some of La Liga’s top players. His stats reflect a player with the capability to change the game, much like Griezmann and Rodrygo. The challenge now lies in tapping into that potential at Wolves.
With Gary O’Neil at the helm, there’s optimism that Guedes can rediscover his best form. The key will be how O’Neil utilises his skill set and integrates him into the squad to maximise his impact. After all, statistics don’t always tell the full story, but they do give us a glimpse into the kind of player Wolves have on their hands.
What Needs to Change for Guedes?
For Goncalo Guedes to revive his career at Wolves under Gary O’Neil, several key areas need to be addressed. It’s not just about his technical skills but also about his approach and integration into the team.
A change in Guedes’ attitude and work ethic is vital. Commitment and consistency are the keywords here. Many fans and analysts have pointed out that although Guedes is undoubtedly talented, his performances lack consistency. He needs to bring a greater level of dedication to his training and matches. In short, his commitment to the team and his role within it will be under scrutiny. He needs to prove that he’s willing to work hard and stick with it, even during tough times.
Conclusion: The Path Forward for Guedes
The future looks cautiously optimistic for Goncalo Guedes under Gary O’Neil’s management. Although Guedes’ tenure at Wolves has been rocky, there are clear signs that things might change for the better.
Gary O’Neil’s confidence in Guedes could be the game-changer. O’Neil has always had a keen eye for talent and a knack for maximizing player potential. If O’Neil believes that Guedes can find his form again, that’s a significant first step. His involvement in pre-season shows that O’Neil is willing to give him another shot.
The next vital component is Guedes’ mindset. Talent alone won’t save his career; a positive attitude and hard work are crucial. Guedes needs to show up, both in training and on the pitch, with a desire to impress and contribute to the team.
The fans’ support can’t be overlooked. While past performances have disappointed many, a few standout games could quickly change the narrative. Patience from the fans will be essential as he works to regain their trust.
There have been many photos and instagram posts showing Guedes getting stuck in and having fun with his team mates, things seem different this time around. Don’t get me wrong Guedes will probably be sold or loaned but maybe, just maybe he could come good at Wolves this season and Gary O’Neil is the man who can get the most out of him.
Statistics from Footy Stats