Wolves striker earns praise but backed to get even better

The Brazilian has been one of Wolves' shining lights in a poor start to the season, with three goals in seven Premier League games.

He has mvoed to play out on the left of a front three to accommodate three midfielders of late, but O'Neil is delighted with Cunha's on and off the ball work.

"Probably his best area on the pitch in possession is when he's tucked in off the left side," O'Neil said.

"Depending on the opposition and out of possession roles, we've had to move him around a little bit.

"He's working really hard and is fully committed to improving the out of possession side of his game, which he has. He's come on leaps and bounds with how reliable he is and how he sets an example.

"He's a real threat for us, even when he's having an off day.

"Everyone in the stadium, myself included, is keen for the ball to land at his feet in and around the area.

"He's an important player for us and his numbers have been good again.

"Last season he had his best numbers ever at any club and he's still showing people what he can do.

"I want him to be even better."

When asked if having three midfielders and changing Cunha's position has impacted the attacker, O'Neil added: "It's probably changed his out of possession job slightly.

"In pre-season we were working with him as that number 10 in the middle and pressing from there, but he would still move to the sides slightly in possession to find that pocket he likes to take up.

"Even playing off the left he'll be in a similar spot and get a decent spell with the ball.

"Maybe it makes him a little bit more of a transition threat on the side. If full-backs start to attack, he's always a big threat going the other way.

"I think it can suit him and he can still have the same impact."