Rodrigo Gomes’ rise at Wolves has been an intriguing story this season, particularly given the contrast between how he was used by Gary O’Neil and how Vitor Pereira has embraced his talents. When Wolves signed him from SC Braga for £12.7 million last summer, they saw him as a promising, versatile option capable of operating as both a wing-back and a winger in O’Neil’s system. However, despite impressing in his Premier League debut against Arsenal on the opening day, he struggled to earn consistent starts under the English manager.
O’Neil, who preferred to rely on more experienced options, seemed hesitant to trust the 21-year-old, often using him as a substitute rather than giving him a real chance to establish himself in the starting lineup. At one point, O’Neil even publicly stated that Gomes wasn’t ready for the demands of Premier League football—a claim that appeared to stunt his early-season opportunities. Despite showing glimpses of his talent in brief cameos, he was largely overlooked, and his progress seemed to stall.
However, that all changed when Vitor Pereira took charge in December. The Portuguese manager, who was appointed to replace O’Neil amid Wolves’ struggles, recognized Gomes’ potential and gradually began to integrate him into the side. Under Pereira’s guidance, Gomes has enjoyed an upward trajectory, becoming an increasingly influential figure for Wolves.
Since Pereira’s arrival, Gomes has started five times in all competitions, proving his worth with some crucial performances. Most notably, he has found the net in important wins over Leicester City and Bristol City, demonstrating his attacking instincts and ability to make an impact in the final third. Unlike under O’Neil, where he was often confined to late substitute appearances, Pereira has shown greater faith in his ability, using him more frequently and in different tactical setups.
Despite not starting any of Wolves’ last three league matches, Gomes has continued to justify his growing reputation with some outstanding creative numbers. His ability to fashion chances has placed him among the top-performing players in the Premier League for this metric. As per Squawka, Gomes has created three big chances in just 195 minutes of league football in 2025. To put that into perspective, only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (four big chances) and Arsenal’s Declan Rice (six big chances) have created more in that time.
What makes this statistic even more impressive is that while Salah and Rice play nearly every game for their respective clubs and feature for the full 90 minutes, Gomes has been used sparingly by Pereira. The fact that he is still keeping pace with such elite players in terms of big chances created highlights just how impactful he has been whenever he has stepped onto the pitch.
Unfortunately, Gomes was unable to build on this momentum in Wolves’ recent match against Liverpool due to a minor injury. While his absence—alongside goalkeeper Sam Johnstone—was a setback for Pereira’s side, the manager confirmed post-match that the injury wasn’t serious. As a result, there is growing optimism that he could be available for Wolves’ upcoming fixture against Bournemouth. Given his recent performances, he will be eager to return to the matchday squad and potentially make an impact off the bench.
With Wolves fighting for survival in the Premier League, having a player like Gomes in the squad could prove crucial. His ability to operate on either flank, his creativity in the final third, and his willingness to take on defenders give Wolves an extra dimension in attack. Moreover, his efficiency in creating big chances suggests that he could be a key player in Wolves’ bid to pick up much-needed points in the coming weeks.
If Gomes is fit for the Bournemouth clash, he will likely be an option off the bench, potentially replacing either Rayan Aït-Nouri or Nelson Semedo in the second half. However, with the numbers he has been posting, there is a growing argument that he deserves more regular starts. Given his performances under Pereira so far, it may only be a matter of time before he forces his way into the starting XI on a more consistent basis.
For Wolves fans, watching the rise of Rodrigo Gomes has been exciting, and if he continues to develop at this rate, he could emerge as a key figure in the team’s long-term plans. At just 21 years old, he has plenty of room for growth, and under Pereira’s management, he might be set for a breakthrough period in the Premier League. The next few weeks could be crucial in determining his role for the rest of the season, but one thing is clear—Gomes has already proven that he belongs at this level.