Wolves midfield engine: Gomes and Andre

As Wolves fans taunted Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford for being “just a rubbish Ruben Neves”, it sparked a comparison in my mind between our current midfield duo of Joao Gomes and Andre and former club legends Neves and Joao Moutinho.

Gomes and Andre bring a burning energy and drive that unsettles opposing midfields. Their pressing, hunger and ability to play crisp, tight passes put pressure on opponents, almost taunting them to commit before breaking forward.

This “bait-and-spring” style often draws defenders out, forcing mistakes and letting Gomes surge through lines to launch Wolves on the attack. Off the ball, both players work tirelessly, creating triangles with team-mates and providing safe options while opening up space for quick switches or overloads.

Wolves fans will always treasure the era shaped by Neves and Moutinho. That pair brought technical excellence, elegance and intelligence to midfield, highlighted by Neves’ long-range goals and Moutinho’s calm control. And yet, when facing teams that sat deep, they sometimes found it difficult to break down packed defences or coax opponents out of their shape.

Gomes and Andre, on the other hand, thrive on chaos and relentless pressing. The Brazilian pair overwhelm opponents with their intensity and directness, turning games with quick transitions and aggressive ball-winning.

Vitor Pereira wants instant control after winning the ball, a key reason why Gomes and Andre are now vital. Their chemistry anchors the team, providing an invaluable foundation for building possession or launching counter-attacks.

It is hard to say whether Gomes and Andre are better than Neves and Moutinho – they are just different. While nostalgia will always surround the Portuguese duo, the new partnership deserves patience.

Given time, Gomes and Andre could become just as iconic in their own way.