Liam Keen comment: Dependable Toti Gomes is ready to step into the Wolves spotlight

Coming back early from his loan at Grasshoppers in January 2022, Gomes was a surprisingly excellent addition in his five appearances until the end of the season.

However, starting last season under Bruno Lage, Toti was overlooked by the manager and did not play a single minute. The final nail in the coffin saw Lage play Ruben Neves at centre-back away at West Ham, rather than giving Toti his chance, and Lage was subsequently sacked after a defeat in London.

The first decision made by interim boss Steve Davis in the following game? Toti was brought straight into the starting XI.

The 23-year-old is not always the tidiest footballer on the ball and certainly has some improvements to make, but he is a natural, reliable and dependable defender.

Last season, he had only played 10 times in all competitions until he was thrown in at left-back against Nottingham Forest on April 1 – and in his 10 appearances from then until the end of the season, the defender played an integral role in keeping Wolves in the Premier League.

Until he was given his chance under Julen Lopetegui in April, Toti’s future was uncertain and there was a suggestion he could depart for more game time elsewhere.

But his performances in a crucial part of the season has seen Wolves rethink their stance on Toti and Lopetegui’s admiration of the player means he is expected to stay at Wolves next season and be given a chance to impress on a more regular basis.

Lopetegui knows Toti’s character and trusts him to perform when it matters and the hope is now that the player will be given an opportunity to stake his claim for a regular starting spot.

If he is given that chance, the plan is clear for Toti. Play regularly for Wolves, continue to be called up to the Portuguese national team and then earn a place in the squad for next year’s Euros.

The defender may not have made it on to the pitch following his first senior call-up, but international coach Roberto Martinez is a huge fan of Toti and is keen to include him in the Euros squad if the player continues to impress at Wolves.

Toti’s versatility at both centre-back and left-back makes him a viable option for both Wolves and Portugal, but he could still face a challenge forcing his way into the Wolves starting XI at the start of the season.

If Lopetegui chooses to stick with a back four and Max Kilman stays at the club – which remains uncertain as Napoli are still pushing to sign him – then Toti could find his centre-back opportunities limited at the start of the season.

However, his versatility and the expectation that he will become a more important member of the squad next season, should still see him given the chance he has worked so hard for.

Signed for just £1million in 2020, Toti is one of several examples at Wolves that good scouting can produce Premier League footballers for a fraction of the price.

Aside from Craig Dawson, Toti is perhaps the most natural defender in the Wolves squad and his athleticism is a major strength.

His character in the dressing room is exemplary and he is now set to be given the opportunity he deserves.