Wolves' Joao Gomes given backing to go all the way to top

Both Brazilians enjoyed fantastic 2023/24 seasons in gold and black, but only Gomes was chosen to play for his country at Copa America.

The 23-year-old starred in the middle of midfield and has been a regular for Brazil and Cunha believes Gomes has what it takes to go to the very top and hints that he could go on to play for top Champions League sides.

“So good, honestly, I think he can arrive to be one of the best midfielders in the world,” Cunha said of Gomes.

“I could compare but I don’t want to put them in the same line because it is always hard because people get crazy with this and it is not good to put them together, but I feel like Casemiro was one of the best midfielders in Brazil.

“I played with both and both are very smart, very good on the ball, recovering the ball like crazy.

“Maybe Casemiro is a bit older now but I put Casemiro’s name there only to show where Joao Gomes could arrive.

“Five Champions Leagues? It is too much to count! He has played for Real Madrid, Manchester United, the best teams in the world.

“I think Joao has the possibility to arrive. He is very humble and he works a lot. The good teams come like a gift when you do that.”

In his first full Premier League season, following his switch in January 2023, Gomes had several stand-out moments.

One saw him score a brace in an impressive 2-1 win at Spurs as he continues to develop in Wolves colours and under Gary O’Neil’s management.

“This guy is amazing – he is amazing,” Cunha said when asked how good Gomes truly is.

“He came in and like me there were difficulties to adapt but he improved to speak English and he is so good with his team-mates.

“He is unbelievable on the pitch. I feel very secure. I feel like I can lose the ball when I have my midfielders behind me. He played very well for the national team too.

“I am really happy for him. He deserves it, 100 per cent. He works very hard. Maybe we can give good things for Wolves to remember.”

Due to his time playing for Brazil in Copa America, Gomes is due to report for Wolves’ pre-season later than his team-mates.

Most of the team have already flown to Marbella for a week-long training camp, with one behind-closed-doors game, before jetting off to America later this month for three friendlies in front of supporters.