How crucial has Matheus Cunha been for Gary O’Neil’s Wolves side this season?

National World - LocalTV

A look at Wolves with their undeniable talent in Matheus Cunha who’s back into the side and back amongst the goals. He’s been a joy to watch for the fans this season, who whilst European dreams are now over, are looking to stabilise in the summer.

Transcript

00:00Now, obviously, they've had moments in the season where they were possibly looking ahead

00:08to achieving a European position in the Premier League. That looks dead now. Obviously, a

00:14draw at Nottingham Forest, but huge highlights to take in terms of one player being back,

00:19Mateus Cunha. How important has he been for Wolves this season, in a season that's been

00:25up and down at the moment, but in the good times, he's certainly been at the forefront

00:30of them.

00:31He's been so important. Obviously, Gary O'Neill's been speaking so much about how Wolves haven't

00:35been able to buy a striker. They tried to get one in the winter on a cheap or on a loan.

00:39They couldn't even do that. The financial resources just weren't there to stick in line

00:43with profit and sustainability rules. We've seen how that's impacted lots of Forrest Neverton,

00:47so Wolves have to stick in line. Cunha stepped up into a striker position that he's not full

00:52number nine, really. He's more of a false nine or a winger or someone who can come in from wide.

00:57He's not always been that figure. He's not a physical presence, but the way he uses his body,

01:02he backs into defenders, he turns off the ball, he plays one-twos, he dribbles the players.

01:07That goal against Nottingham Forest, a prime example, just taking on players, giving it a go,

01:11then he backs into the defender, then he cuts inside, then he puts in the corner.

01:15He's not going to repeat that every single week, but it shows the talent is there. The

01:18determination is there and the determination as well to get back from his injury. He was given

01:22the 12-week injury recovery process. He did it in six, shows how much determination that man has

01:28got. These have been so crucial. Just from that aspect, it's been crucial, but also 11 goals,

01:33six assists in the Premier League. It's just what Wolves has needed.

01:37So fair play to Mateus Cunha. Just imagine Wolves with Hwang Fitt as well and Pedro Neto and Cunha

01:43all playing in the same team consistently and a striker. I think it's a very exciting future

01:47for Wolves. Yeah, and obviously achieving pretty much mid-table this season.

01:53How do you feel Wolves fans are feeling around Gary O'Neill and the attention he's got for such

01:59a great job this year? But, you know, where does it leave them in sight for next season

02:05and this big summer? Because, as you say, there could still be some restrictions.

02:10There'll probably be some restrictions, but O'Neill's been honest to say that they'll be

02:14able to spend a bit more money, which is good. Wolves should expect at least a new striker,

02:19probably a new midfielder as well, maybe a new defender. Probably someone in every position.

02:24Jose Sarr's also had a lot of stick for his distribution, so we'll have to wait and see

02:27what happens there. But I think there will be a little bit of a rebuild, not huge, but something,

02:32and that means that I think Wolves can maybe push on to top half next year to secure that.

02:37This year that could happen, very much so. Europe was kind of on the cards briefly after the wins

02:41after over Tottenham and Chelsea. Yeah, I think it's just building step by step, especially with

02:46the likes of Chelsea definitely improving. Brighton are probably going to get better again

02:51next year as well. So, yeah, I think mid-table fans will be very happy and it's good progress.

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