The international break is a perfect time to reflect on the season so far but for Gary O’Neil, it’s a period where he can ponder what needs changing.
Wolves have endured an abysmal start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign. The Old Gold are winless in their opening seven games, collecting just a single point against Nottingham Forest.
Last time out, Gary O’Neil described Wolves 5-3 defeat to Brentford as his worst game in management as the Wanderers were cut open defensively.
O’Neil must now galvanise his players ahead of next weekend’s test against Manchester City, with the champions unbeaten following five wins and two draws.
The Wanderers have struggled defensively in most games this term, and that doesn’t look like changing against Pep Guardiola’s side but there is at least one player who can hold his head high.
Wolves captured eight new players during the summer but only three of their arrivals have nailed down a spot in the starting XI, with the rest either on the fringes or not in the squad at all.
Sam Johnstone has stolen the number one jersey from Jose Sa, Jorgen Strand Larsen is O’Neil’s focal point while Andre has slotted wonderfully into midfield.
While Johnstone and Strand Larsen have both made positive impressions since arriving at Molineux, Andre is by far O’Neil’s best summer recruit.
Captured for £21 million from Brazilian outfit Fluminense, the 23-year-old has rarely put a foot wrong in midfield and instantly adapted to England’s top flight.
Following the loss to Brentford, it emerged that Andre had the highest passing accuracy of any player in the Premier League, completing 95.8% of his passes.
That puts him ahead of Man City duo Manuel Akanji and Ilkay Gundogan while demonstrating why he’s proving to be a ‘superstar’ in Wolverhampton.
The Brazil international has offered a calmness in midfield that wasn’t otherwise present, with supporters impressed by his complete displays.
Currently, Wolves are embroiled in a tussle at the bottom of the Premier League.
It’s still too early to say whether they’re relegation candidates but regardless of whether they finish in the bottom three or survive, they’ll find it tough to hold onto Andre.
Previously linked with Liverpool, the Brazilian star has the skill set to play at some of the biggest clubs in Europe, and will no doubt have interest in him next summer.
Fans have seen in the past how difficult it is to hold onto their best players, with the likes of Matheus Nunes, Max Kilman, Pedro Neto and Ruben Neves all jumping ship in the past year.
Andre is destined to deliver a similar fate to Wolves, so supporters need to enjoy watching him while they can.
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