Aston Villa's ongoing midfield revamp has gained momentum with the signing of Joao Gomes from Wolves. Despite being part of a struggling team at Molineux, there's every reason to believe Gomes can become a fan favorite at Villa Park. He's been given a fantastic opportunity to play Champions League football, a platform he deserves after being relegated with Wolves.
Gomes was Wolves' players' player of the season and had previously won the supporters' award, demonstrating his popularity among teammates and fans alike. His managers have also praised him, with former Wolves head coach Rob Edwards calling him a 'wonderful player' who has faced challenges in a struggling team. Gary O'Neil, another former manager, appreciated Gomes' approach to the game, saying he's driven to succeed for the team, not just himself.
So, what can Gomes bring to Aston Villa? His tackling ability is a significant asset, having made 380 tackles in the past three Premier League seasons, the most in the competition.
He's also exceptional at recovering possession, with a knack for using his strength and body to shield the ball. This front-foot approach has been a key weapon for Wolves, and Gomes ranked among the top 10 players in the Premier League for expected goals created following his interceptions last season. He's not a traditional holding midfielder, preferring to press the opposition and cover a lot of ground.
Gomes is also an impressive ball carrier, averaging almost 20 carries per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season. While his chaotic style might need to be refined under Unai Emery, who prefers control, Gomes' aggressive and mobile presence in midfield will be welcomed.
Areas of his game that need improvement include his passing range, but he's a reliable distributor of the ball and has the potential to develop in this regard. With better options around him, Gomes could flourish, and his ability to outperform his expected pass completion is a promising sign. Although his scoring record is a concern, having found the net only once for Wolves last season, Emery might not prioritize this aspect, given the team's current central midfield scoring record. With his great attitude, humility off the pitch, and personality on it, Gomes looks like a bargain for Villa, and his name is likely to be sung by the fans at the Holte End soon.