Wolves academy grad may turn into Joao Gomes’ dream accomplice

Wolverhampton Wanderers could have been knocked out of the FA Cup by Coventry Metropolis previous to the worldwide break, but it means Gary O’Neil can focus fully on securing a top-half end within the Premier League.

A number of gamers are representing their nations throughout the break, with Joao Gomes successful his first cap for Brazil of their 1-0 win over England at Wembley.

Joao Gomes’ statistics for Wolves in 2023/24

The midfielder has been stable for the Outdated Gold this time period, registering three objective contributions, creating two huge probabilities, and averaging 0.6 key passes per recreation, showcasing his potential to burst ahead typically.

The Brazilian has demonstrated his defensive qualities too, averaging 3.5 tackles per recreation together with successful 5.8 whole duels per match, with the 23-year-old clearly capable of contribute each defensively and going ahead.

He might be a mainstay within the midfield for years to come back, however O’Neil may unearth a possible future accomplice for him in Luke Cundle, who’s shining out on mortgage.

How Luke Cundle is performing out on mortgage

The 21-year-old made his debut for the Molineux aspect throughout the 2019/20 marketing campaign and since then has performed a additional six instances for the membership.

For the reason that begin of final season, Cundle has loved mortgage spells with Swansea Metropolis, Plymouth Argyle and now Stoke Metropolis, stepping up a stage in each stint.

His spell on the south coast throughout the first six months of this time period confirmed the teenager at his highest. Not solely did he rating 5 objectives for Plymouth, however he additionally grabbed six assists from the guts of the midfield.

Ten appearances for Stoke have yielded no objective involvements, but the teenager presently ranks within the prime 8% for touches within the attacking penalty space (2.56 per 90) when in comparison with positional friends in leagues much like the Championship. He additionally ranks within the prime 4% for assists per 90 (0.28), proving he’s amongst one of many best midfielders in comparable competitions.

Journalist Josh Bunting as soon as claimed Cundle confirmed “actual promise” throughout his spell with Swansea final season, however he has taken his recreation to the subsequent stage, particularly at Plymouth, throughout the present marketing campaign.

Wolves have the likes of Mario Lemina, Tommy Doyle and Boubacar Traore as choices to function alongside Gomes, however Cundle might be a super long-term accomplice for the Brazilian gem.

Lemina is on the incorrect aspect of 30, Doyle is presently on mortgage, whereas Traore has but to fairly hit the heights anticipated of him following his transfer in 2022, beginning simply seven instances within the league after signing.

Will O’Neil lastly give the 21-year-old an opportunity subsequent season when he returns from his short-term spell at Stoke? He ought to do, as there isn’t a doubt the participant is eager to turn into a daily within the first staff.

Gomes’ defensive qualities mixed with Cundle’s potential to burst ahead with objective and create probabilities for others may see the Outdated Gold forge an exquisite midfield duo.

The supervisor could make a signing or two throughout the summer season switch window, however with Cundle, he has a wonderful younger expertise able to make his mark within the beginning XI.