Wolverhampton Wanderers continue to show improvement each week, and Gary O’Neil must be delighted with how his team rebounded from the 2-0 loss to Brentford. In their recent match against Tottenham Hotspur, Wolves secured a commendable 2-1 victory, with Joao Gomes stepping up with a midfield brace, marking his first goals of the season. Despite missing a couple of significant chances, Gomes displayed his prowess by heading home unopposed in the first half and initiating a counterattack to score a first-time cutback.
While Gomes isn’t typically known for his goal-scoring abilities, his unexpected heroics were crucial in the face of Spurs’ dominance, maintaining focus on defensive duties throughout the game. The 23-year-old’s relentless performance, highlighted by six tackles, successfully subdued the impact of James Maddison.
Interestingly, there’s a promising young talent within the ranks who could complement Gomes in the future. Matthew Whittingham, a relatively unknown name among Wolves fans, stands out as one of the academy’s most exciting prospects. The 19-year-old left-footed midfielder, previously part of Manchester City’s youth setup, joined Wolves in the summer and quickly integrated into the U21 squad. Whittingham’s versatility in midfield aligns well with O’Neil’s tactical demands in the 3-4-2-1 formation.
Described as an all-rounded player by academy manager Jon Hunter-Barrett, Whittingham’s ability to initiate attacks, sustain possession, create, and score adds a new dimension to Wolves’ midfield. His impressive goal contribution record at Manchester City further supports these claims. The prospect of pairing Whittingham’s attacking prowess with Gomes’ defensive solidity could elevate Wolves to a level where they can contend in European competitions.
O’Neil’s decision to include Whittingham in the matchday squad against Arsenal in December is a testament to the youngster’s potential. With attributes that make him a suitable partner for Gomes in the future, Whittingham could play a pivotal role in Wolves’ continued ascen
