Despite his limited minutes, Gary O’Neil believes Toti Gomes is ‘very essential’ to his Wolves team.
Gary O’Neil
So far this season, the 24-year-old has made one start in the Carabao Cup and two substitute appearances in the Premier League.
Gomes is now second in the pecking order behind captain Max Kilman, but O’Neil insists the defender is an important member of his side and has room to grow.
When asked if Toti is an important member of his Wolves team, O’Neil replied, “Yeah, he is.” I’ve spoken with him; he’s a nice guy who works really hard.
“He understands that he is currently trailing Max in terms of team selection, but I don’t really run a squad that way.” Each job has no number one or number two; they are all equally important to me.
“Toti understands that if he performs, works hard and earns his place in the team, he’ll get it.
“He’s extremely important to us. He can obviously play at left-back as well, which is helpful, and there’s loads of potential for us to work with and improve.
“He’s an exciting player for me and the coaches to get to work with.”
Toti has been called up to Portugal’s senior squad for the last two international breaks, but has yet to make his debut.
Although manager Roberto Martinez is said to be a major fan of Gomes, the defender has yet to earn a senior cap for his country, despite a 9-0 thumping of Luxembourg in which Toti was an unused substitute.
